Knowledge, attitudes, and interest in orthodontic treatment: a cross-sectional study in adults with stage III-IV periodontitis and secondary malocclusions

BACKGROUND: An increasing number of patients with advanced stages of periodontitis are seeking for treatment options. The study aimed to determine interest in orthodontic treatment (OT) and its association with oral health status and knowledge about the disease in adult subjects with stage III–IV periodontitis. METHODS: 96 subjects ≥ 30 years, with stage III-IV periodontitis agreed to fill in a questionnaire and undergo a comprehensive periodontal-orthodontic examination. The questionnaire included 44 questions: demographic, dental, health related habits, self-perceived overall and oral health, knowledge of periodontitis, and attitude toward OT. The statistical analysis was performed using a paired-sample T-test, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) and binary logistic regression analysis (LRA). RESULTS: Stage IV periodontitis was observed in 32.3% of subjects and Class II malocclusion was most prevalent (53.1%). More than half of subjects were interested in OT. Oral health, knowledge about periodontitis and age were significant predictors for interest in OT. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge spread about OT possibilities in advanced stages of periodontitis is very important both for the dental community and older subjects to save natural dentition. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12903-023-03605-8.