Self-perception of generalized aggressive periodontitis symptoms and its influence on the compliance with the oral hygiene instructions: a pilot study

Aim: Patient’s adherence to the periodontal treatment is fundamental to the success of the therapy.Lack of response to the clinician’s instructions is influenced by various factors, including gender,age and psychosocial profile. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between self-perceived symptoms of generalized aggressive periodontitis and compliance with the oral hygiene instructions. Methods: Twenty-six subjects presenting a generalized aggressive form of periodontal disease were selected. The subjects answered a questionnaire to rate the perceived symptoms of periodontal disease with a sensitivity scale, in which a numeric score is attributed to each mentioned symptom. The percentage of sites with pocket probing depth (PPD)e” 5mm as well as the plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) were evaluated and the patients received a full mouth prophylaxis. One month later, the patients were re-evaluated for PI, GI, and PPD, and their percent reductions were correlated with the numeric score attributed to the aggressive periodontitis symptoms. Spearman’s correlation and Wilcoxon’s test were used with as ignificance level of 5%. Results: The greater the self-perception of some of the symptoms, the greater the adherence to the oral hygiene instructions. A positive correlation was observed between the reduction of GI and self perception of bleeding on tooth brushing (p=0.04, r=0.27)and redness and swelling of gums (p=0.04, r=0.26). Conclusions: The self-perception of symptoms of generalized aggressive periodontitis could have an influence on the patient’s response to the oral hygiene instructions.