Awareness and Periodontal Health Practices of Fixed Orthodontic Appliance Patients: A Questionnaire-Based Survey

A well-aligned dentition is more conducive to periodontal health, which is necessary for successful orthodontic therapy. Maintaining good dental hygiene is crucial for effective treatment, and patient cooperation, education, motivation, and attitude are all important components. Orthodontists must routinely check in with their patients to see whether they are maintaining their oral hygiene and if they are using any additional assistance. Negligence on the part of the patient may be the cause of poor treatment outcomes. This study aims to show how patient education can affect treatment outcomes and the development of a functional, aesthetically pleasing, and healthy dentition. Aim This study aims to investigate awareness, attitude, and periodontal health knowledge among orthodontic patients. Objectives The study explores the level of awareness and knowledge regarding periodontal health among orthodontic patients, examining its correlation with factors such as age, attitude, and duration of orthodontic treatment. Additionally, it aims to gauge the extent of education received by orthodontic patients regarding proper oral hygiene practices and the potential repercussions of neglecting them. Methods A questionnaire-based study with a cross-sectional design was performed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A total of 428 participants were randomly selected from several private orthodontic clinics and hospitals. The participants in the study were individuals currently undergoing treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances. Information was gathered using a self-administered questionnaire. Results The patients undergoing orthodontic treatment have a moderate understanding of periodontal disease about dental plaque. The level of awareness of periodontal health was 41%, and the level of knowledge about periodontal health was 51%. When it came to periodontal health, adult orthodontic patients had a positive attitude toward fixed orthodontic treatment (mean score = 0.75). Subjects' attitudes regarding fixed orthodontic treatment were significantly impacted by the patient's consistency with his/her dental checkups (p value = 0.02). Conclusion The patients' periodontal health awareness was moderate, while their periodontal health knowledge was fair. Orthodontic patient's awareness levels, as well as knowledge levels, showed significant differences in age and duration but not sex. Results showed no significant difference among the attitude levels of orthodontic patients and age, sex, and duration.