Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward self-control of dental plaque among patients with periodontal diseases: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: The development of periodontal disease is closely linked to individual oral healthcare behaviors. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward the self-control of dental plaque among patients with periodontal diseases. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Jinan Stomatological Hospital between July 2022 and September 2022 through a self-administrated questionnaire for patients with periodontal diseases. RESULTS: A total of 563 participants were included. Among them, 147 (26.11%) had gingivitis and 416 (73.89%) had periodontitis. Participants' knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 8.71 ± 2.81 (range 0–12), 39.82 ± 3.69 (range 10–50), 33.13 ± 5.91 (range 11–55), respectively. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the knowledge [odds ratio (OR) = 1.212, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.097–1.339, P < 0.001], attitude (OR = 1.132, 95% CI: 1.070–1.198, P < 0.001), occupation, especially in the commercial and service industry (OR = 0.488, 95% CI: 0.221–1.080, P = 0.007), and income of 10,000–20,000 yuan (OR = 0.476, 95% CI: 0.258–0.877, P = 0.017) were independently associated with good practice. CONCLUSIONS: Chinese patients with periodontal diseases demonstrated satisfactory knowledge and attitudes regarding oral hygiene, but the practical aspects need more promotion and training, especially in daily brushing frequency, usage of oral irrigator and interdental brush. Individualized approach should consider patients' knowledge, attitudes, occupation and income level. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12903-023-03352-w.