Knowledge, Attitude and Behavior Toword Periodontal Health Among Males and Females Students Aged (16-18) Years in Erbil City

Background and Objective: periodontal disease conceder as a malty inflammatory disease may be a source of systemic inflammation because oral health is important for appearance and sense of well-being overall health. So cleaning the mouth by brushing and flossing to prevent gum disease is important. The current study was conducted to clarify the knowledge, attitude, and behavior in relation to periodontal health status among male and female students in Erbil city. \ud \ud Materials and Methods: a questionnaire of periodontal health of knowledge, attitudes, and behavior was allocated on 480 (240 males and 240 females) school students ran- domly, aged 16–18 year, in Erbil city. Data were collected by means of 23 close-ended questionnaires. \ud \ud Results: 85% of male and 90% of female knew that brushing prevents gingivitis. 55.4% of the male student, 62.1 of female student thought that using dental floss prevent periodontal disease. While (26.7%) of male and 22.1% of female would visit a dentist in case of gum pain. (81.3%) of male and 97.5 of female thought that regular visits to the dentist necessary (p≤0.0004). Males reported 25% of twice a day tooth brushing while female reported 42.9% of twice a day tooth brushing (p≤0.025). \ud \ud Toothbrush and toothpaste were still the most commonly used oral hygiene aids among male (74.6%) and female (91.7%) students (p≤0.0015) used tooth brush and tooth paste commonly as oral hygiene aids. \ud \ud Conclusions: present study shows that our students have positive knowledge, attitude and negative behavior to word periodontal health. \ud