Oral Health Literacy and Periodontal Status Among Turkish Adults

Association Between Oral Health Literacy and Periodontal Status Among Turkish Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

This observational cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between oral health literacy (OHL) and periodontal status among adult individuals attending Biruni University Faculty of Dentistry, Istanbul, Türkiye. A total of 108 adults were evaluated using the Turkish version of the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry (TREALD-30) to assess OHL levels. Periodontal examination included probing depth, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing, and plaque index. The study sought to determine whether lower OHL levels are associated with poorer periodontal health and to highlight the importance of improving health literacy in oral disease prevention and management.

This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Biruni University Faculty of Dentistry, Istanbul, Türkiye, to evaluate the relationship between oral health literacy (OHL) and periodontal status among adult individuals. A total of 108 systemically healthy adults aged 18 years or older were included. Individuals with fewer than 20 teeth, history of periodontal treatment in the past 6 months, or systemic diseases affecting periodontal health were excluded.

OHL was assessed using the validated Turkish version of the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry (TREALD-30). Periodontal examination was performed by a calibrated periodontist and included full-mouth probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), and plaque index (PI). Periodontitis was defined according to the 2018 World Workshop classification system.

The primary objective was to determine whether limited OHL is associated with worse periodontal parameters. Secondary objectives included evaluating the relationship between OHL and sociodemographic variables such as age, education, and smoking habits. Statistical analyses were performed using regression models to identify independent predictors of periodontal disease.

The findings of this study aim to emphasize the role of oral health literacy as a potential social determinant of periodontal health and to guide the development of literacy-based preventive strategies in dental public health.

Inclusion Criteria:

Systemically healthy adults aged 18 years or older

Ability to read and understand Turkish

Voluntary agreement to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

Individuals with fewer than 20 teeth

History of periodontal treatment within the past 6 months

Presence of systemic diseases affecting periodontal health

Individuals with mental retardation, cognitive impairment, or inability to complete the questionnaire due to illiteracy or communication difficulties