Relación entre el nivel de conocimiento sobre higiene bucal y estado periodontal en pacientes atendidos en la clínica odontológica de la UCSG durante el semestre A 2025.

Abstract

Periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, represent a major global oral health problem, significantly affecting patients’ quality of life and being associated with several systemic conditions; periodontitis, in particular, is characterized by the irreversible destruction of tooth-supporting tissues, which highlights the importance of knowledge and proper oral hygiene practices as key factors in prevention. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between the level of knowledge about oral hygiene and periodontal status in patients treated at the dental clinic of the Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil during the A-2025 semester. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with a sample of 55 adult patients attending the periodontics area. Data were collected through a survey including sociodemographic variables, educational level, socioeconomic status, oral health knowledge, oral hygiene practices, and a clinical periodontal evaluation. Results showed that 45.5% of patients presented periodontitis and 29% gingivitis, with a significant association found between educational level and periodontal status (p=0.001), as well as between socioeconomic status and periodontal condition (p=0.0247). Likewise, lack of knowledge about periodontal diseases and brushing techniques was associated with a higher prevalence of periodontitis (p<0.001), while brushing frequency, toothbrush replacement, use of dental floss, mouthwash, and dental visits also showed significant associations. In conclusion, educational, socioeconomic, and behavioral factors influence periodontal health, emphasizing that oral health education is a fundamental preventive tool to reduce the prevalence of periodontal disease and improve overall oral health outcomes.