Girish Suragimath , S R Ashwinirani , Kirti Anil Shetgaonkar

Abstract

Periodontal disease if left untreated, results in loss of teeth and contributes to systemic inflammation. Prompt realization and treatment of gingivitis and improving the oral hygiene measures will prevent its spread to the underlying periodontium. School teachers play an important role as a positive stimulus on the overall development of the students. The current questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted to assess knowledge, awareness, and practice (KAP) about the periodontal disease among 300 secondary school teachers. The structured questionnaire containing twenty questions was divided into three parts KAP. The teachers completed the questionnaire under the supervision of a research assistant through one-to-one interviews. Data analysis was performed using statistical software and descriptive statistics were calculated with a p-value of 0.05. The Chi-square test was used to analyze responses in relation to three domains KAP of the study population. The total of 300 subjects who participated in the study, included 178 males (59%) and 122 females (41%). The majority of teachers had sufficient knowledge of the causes and prevention of gingivitis but poor awareness and practices. It was concluded that the oral health knowledge was found satisfactory among the secondary school teachers with poor awareness and practices. The school curriculum subjects should incorporate topics related to oral health and diseases. The teachers should be made aware of oral health maintenance measures, which they can inculcate among the students. This will improve the overall oral and general health among the students, who are the future generations of the nation.