CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background to the study

A variety of health issues known as periodontal disease impact the teeth's supporting components, such as the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone (Chauhan et al. 2018). These abnormalities might only affect the gingiva (gingivitis), or they might also affect the alveolar bone and periodontal ligament space (periodontitis). Periodontitis can cause teeth to move, move pathologically, and eventually fall out (Folayan et al. 2017). Clinical indications of periodontal disease can manifest at any age. According to epidemiological research, gingivitis, which can range in severity, is virtually always found in children and adolescents, although destructive periodontitis is less common in younger people than it is in adults (Chauhan et al 2018).. The first step in proper planning for oral health and personal hygiene among elderly is to establish the prevalent oral health problem, which in this case is the periodontal health condition. This will help to promote evidence-based intervention programs especially in dental clinics(Folayan et al. 2017)

Highly common periodontal disease is a significant public health issue and adds to the burden of chronic diseases worldwide (Petersen and Baehni, 2018; Petersen and Ogawa, 2018). The relevance of oral health, of which periodontal health is a key component, to general well-being has been well documented in recent years (USDHHS, 2015). Gingivitis is the first stage of most periodontal disorders, which are inflammatory in nature and brought on by plaque biofilm. If left untreated, this moderate illness may worsen and lead to periodontitis and tooth loss (Petersen and Ogawa, 2018). The first indication of gingivitis is blood from the gingiva, particularly when brushing your teeth. Effective plaque control techniques, such as regular teeth brushing and the use of interdental cleaning tools, can easily reverse periodontal disease (e.g., dental floss) (Darby and Walsh, 2015). Periodontitis has been linked bilaterally to a variety of systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and unfavourable pregnancy outcomes (Scannapieco et al., 2003). Periodontitis may cause systemic inflammation that has an adverse effect on general health (Quijano et al., 2015). Periodontal disease prevention and maintenance effectiveness largely on on awareness of and thorough understanding of its origins, early detection of symptoms, and efficient treatment (Zhu et al., 2015).

Low levels of general population knowledge, understanding, and perception of oral disorders have been found in Nigeria (Sofola, 2015). For patients with oral health issues like periodontal disease as well as other conditions, this circumstance could have catastrophic repercussions. Given Nigeria's woefully low dentist to population ratio (Sofola, 2015), Patients are more inclined to go to doctors than dentists for oral health services. Similar circumstances have been reported in other nations (Cohen and Manski, 2016). To ensure optimum practises in patient care, medical professionals, especially physicians, must be knowledgeable of periodontal disease and its bidirectional connections with systemic illnesses. Various degrees of awareness among patients have been found in prior studies. Oral illnesses may result in severe functional limitations, irritability, and pain, which can cause harm, damage, and incapacity on the physical, emotional, or social levels. Therefore, these conditions have a significant impact on the quality of life of those who experience them. (Dent Oral Epidemiol 2016)

Many adults, especially patients, in Nigeria today lack the necessary understanding and perspective of oral hygiene, which has resulted in dental disorders. The need for hospitals and non-governmental groups to raise awareness of oral problems, particularly among senior patients, cannot be overstated. Financial limitations, lack of knowledge, ignorance, and insufficient teaching from qualified professionals are some of the contributing causes (Greenberg and Glick 2016). Even though substantial research on the awareness and perception of periodontal disease in older people has been conducted in other populations around the world, Enugu has only seen non of these studies (Apoorva, et al. 2016).  The prevalence and severity of periodontal disease were shown to be significantly higher in elderly patients, possibly due to their lack of understanding about dental hygiene. It is to this the study centers  on Knowledge And Perception Of Periodontal Disease Among Elderly Patients Attending Dental Clinic In Federal College Of Dental Technology And Therapy Enugu State

 Statement Of The Problem

Lack of information and awareness of oral illness has led to the development of several dental health issues, including scurvy and periodontal disease. Periodontal pockets have been discovered in elderly people, which have been connected to bad tooth care. It has been acknowledged that a potential predisposing factor for the emergence of dental issues in elderly people is a lack of awareness and perception of oral illnesses. Elderly people are more inclined to participate in dangerous habits like skipping a brushing, which can result in tooth issues. All of these items have the potential to produce acid, which erodes the enamel Dental care is crucial because the general health of elderly people with dental disease is compromised. Dental care is crucial because the general health of elderly people with dental disease is compromised.. It is therefore critical to establish correct oral hygiene habits in elderly patients in order to avoid dental disorders and promote healthy tooth growth, as well as to assess knowledge and perception of periodontal disease among elderly patients attending dental clinic in federal college of dental technology and therapy Enugu state.

Objectives Of The Study

The major aim of the study is to asses knowledge and perception of periodontal disease among elderly patients attending dental clinic in federal college of dental technology and therapy Enugu.

Specific objectives

The specific objectives of the study include;

1) To determine of knowledge of periodontal disease among elderly patients attending dental clinic

2) To determine the perception of periodontal disease among elderly patients attending dental clinic

3) To outline the risk factors and causes of periodontal diseases among elderly patients attending dental clinic in federal college of dental technology and therapy Enugu

Research Questions

1) What is the knowledge of periodontal disease among elderly patients attending dental clinic?

2) What is the perception of periodontal disease among elderly patients attending dental clinic?

3) What are the risk factors and causes of periodontal diseases among elderly patients attending dental clinic in federal college of dental technology and therapy Enugu?

Significance Of The Study

The study will be of profound benefits to provide information about knowledge and perception of periodontal diseases among elderly patients. It is also expected that the results of this study would produce relevant material for scholarly discourse in dental sciences. This study would also be of immense benefit to students and scholars who are interested in developing further studies on the subject matter

Scope Of The Study

The study is restricted to knowledge and perception of periodontal disease among elderly patients attending dental clinic in federal college of dental technology and therapy Enugu state

Limitation Of The Study

 Limitation to this study will be lack of data to make valid study on the research problem. This is as a result of restricted materials which are to be used in the study. Another limitation is the problem of adequately power supply to carry out the research. Furthermore the sincerity of the respondents might be in doubt this because some questions asked in the questionnaire might not be answered accurately due to biasness from the respondents

Operationalized definition of terms

Knowledge refers to Knowledge is a familiarity or awareness, of someone or something, such as facts, skills, or objects contributing to ones understanding

Oral health refers to the health of the teeth, gums, and the entire oral-facial system that allows us to smile, speak, and chew. Some of the most common diseases that impact our oral health include cavities (tooth decay), gum (periodontal) disease, and oral cancer.

Perception is the organization, identification, and interpretation of sensory information in order to represent and understand the presented information or environment. All perception involves signals that go through the nervous system, which in turn result from physical or chemical stimulation of the sensory system

Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It's typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque a sticky film of bacteria to build up on the teeth and harden. In advanced stages, periodontal disease can lead to sore, bleeding gums; painful chewing problems; and even tooth loss