Relations between periodontal status, oral health-related quality of life and perceived oral health and oral health consciousness levels in a Turkish population

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the interrelationship of periodontal status, socio-demographic characteristics, perceived oral health and oral health consciousness levels as well as the impact of these factors on quality of life using a questionnaire and the Oral Health Impact Profile-14(OHIP-14) scale. Methods Seven hundred and fifty systemically healthy individuals aged >= 18 years referred to a Periodontology Department were included in the study. The OHIP-14 scale and survey were applied to identify socio-demographic characteristics, oral hygiene characteristics, perceived oral health and oral hygiene consciousness levels. Three groups were established based on periodontal status (periodontally healthy [H], gingivitis [G] and periodontitis [P]) determined using periodontal indexes, and the relationship between the above-mentioned factors and periodontal status with quality of life was assessed. Results Oral health-related quality of life differed significantly by gender, marital status, education level, oral hygiene habits and periodontal status. A statistically significant positive relationship was found between high OHIP-14 scores and unfavourable socio-demographic characteristics, increased severity of periodontal disease, and irregular dental care practices. The perceived oral health and oral health consciousness levels significantly differed due to periodontal status. Conclusion Periodontal status, gender, marital status, education level, dental care practices, perceived oral health and oral hygiene consciousness levels are important determinants of oral health-related quality of life (Clinical Trial No. NCT03549247).