title: Dental patients' knowledge and beliefs about periodontal disease.
abstract: The knowledge and beliefs about periodontal disease of 1093 regularly attending patients in 36 North Carolina general dental practices were examined. Patients had a strong positive orientation toward keeping their teeth. Correct information concerning the signs, causes, prevention, and treatment of periodontal disease was widely held. Older patients were more knowledgeable about treatment and signs of periodontal disease, while younger patients expressed more positive beliefs about keeping their teeth for a lifetime. Although patients' knowledge was not perfect, it included few misperceptions that could threaten oral health. Additional education was most needed with respect to the significance of bleeding gums.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dental Ecology, School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599-7450.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Bader
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Rozier
authors.forename: W T
authors.initials: WT
authors.lastname: McFall
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Ramsey
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006267:Health Education, Dental; D006801:Humans; D007576:Jaw, Edentulous, Partially / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires