Multinationality mapping of public misconceptions about periodontal diseases and their public health implications

Background While much research is focused on assessing the knowledge and attitudes of periodontal patients and the general population, no study addressed the prevalence of periodontal misconceptions. Hence, the research aimed to assess misconceptions regarding periodontal diseases and their treatment among a diverse population of various nationalities. Methods The research adopted a quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional approach, employing a 16-item, structured, closed-ended, validated questionnaire with perspective statements to evaluate periodontal misconceptions. The periodontal misconceptions assessment results were compared across age groups, genders, nationalities, and misconception categories. Results Periodontal misconception assessment yielded an overall misconception ratio of 60.34% among 515 individuals of various ages, genders, nationalities, and educational backgrounds. The most prevalent misconception is that ageing leads to tooth loss (91.7%), then that periodontal