ABSTRACT
Periodontal disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis, is considered to be one of the most common diseases among population and, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. The disease affects subjects in all age groups but is more common in adult population. Periodontal and gingival disease is a silent disease. The chronic, most prevalent form of periodontitis progresses in a slow to moderate manner and does not exhibit any clear symptoms especially in their early stage, however, it may include period of rapid destruction. Although this disease is not lifethreatening, it is an important public health problem because of its high prevalence, public demand, and its impact on individuals and society in terms of pain, discomfort, social and functional limitations and handicap, and the effect on quality of life. Besides that, the financial impact on the individual and community is very high especially in our fast developing country as the resource for such treatment is still imported from overseas. Also, a bidirectional link has been established between periodontal disease and systemic status in patients. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to explore perceptions of periodontal health and illness and to examine attitudes and beliefs regarding prevention of gum diseases among Malaysian population.