KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES REGARDING BLEEDING GUMS AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN OF PESHAWAR

• Published in: Pakistan oral & dental journal 2015-06, Vol.35 (2)
• Main Authors: Khan, Sami S, WAZIR, GHAZALA, Khan, Irfanullah, AMJAD IQBAL KHATTAK
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Attitudes; Demographic aspects; Dental caries; Gum disease; Health education; Knowledge; Pediatrics; Risk factors
• ISSN: 1012-8700; 1996-4439

The objective of this cross sectional study was to assess Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) regarding bleeding gums in school going children of Peshawar. Seventy-four percent of students were aware of the term bleeding gums whereas 26% did not have any idea. Sixty three percent of the students were suffering from bleeding gums and 51% consulted a dentist in order to get them cured. While the rest used some home remedy or did nothing, and ignored bleeding gums. Based on these results it was concluded that the school going children of this study were not fully aware about bleeding gums and their effects on oral health. INTRODUCTION Whenever dental health is considered, the focus is likely to be on preventing caries and cavities in the teeth. However, it is also important to pay attention to the gingiva and supporting structures of the oral cavity. Gingiva plays a major role not only in dental health but also for overall well-being. The inadequate oral care leading to a buildup of bacteria and eventually plaque, which advance to tartar, that is irritating to gums and as a result gums become swollen and inflamed and the condition is known as gingivitis. If this continues, it can lead to an even more serious condition called periodontitis. As the disease progresses, more gum tissues are destroyed. When this happens, teeth are no longer anchored in place, they become lose and tooth loss occurs. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.1 Bleeding gums is a condition that is often not taken seriously by the patients, however it can be alarming some times as it can be the sign of some other serious disease like bleeding disorders.2 Many studies also show a link between severe gum disease and preterm birth.3 Generally it is caused by various factors like; not maintaining good oral hygiene, poor nutrition, bacterial infection, hard brushing, bleeding disorders, hormonal changes, trauma, vitamin K deficiency, use of anticoagulant medications,4 dengue fever,5 improper technique of dental flossing, pregnancy, hot food and chemicals and scurvy. The aim of this study was to assess Knowledgeand Attitude regarding bleeding gums in school going children of Peshawar.