Risk factors of periodontal disease in Vietnamese patients

The aim of the present study was to assess the association of periodontitis with dental and smoking behaviors, self-perception of oral status, dental knowledge, and obesity in Vietnamese patients.

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 367 adults who first visited the Faculty of Odonto-Stomatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Information on demographic characteristics, dental and smoking behaviors, self-perception of oral status, dental knowledge, and nutritional status was investigated by a self-administered questionnaire. Periodontal status, including plaque index, probing depth, and bleeding on probing, was examined. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to explore risk factors that were associated with periodontitis after adjusting for confounding factors.

Dental and smoking behaviors, dental knowledge, and nutritional status were all significantly related to periodontitis. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that patients who had risk factors significantly associated with periodontitis were those who had dental scaling during the past year (odds ratio [OR]: 2.2), current smokers (OR: 2.47), who received instructions on oral hygiene (OR=1.73), and those who were overweight/obese (OR: 4.78).

Periodontitis was correlated with dental and smoking behaviors, dental knowledge, and nutritional status in Vietnamese dental patients. Promoting a healthy lifestyle, reducing tobacco consumption, motivating oral self-care behaviors, together with normal weight maintenance, are necessary to reduce periodontal disease burdens.