The prevalence, perception, and behavior of self-reported gingival bleeding in two communities in Lagos state. Lagos. Nigeria

Background: Periodontal disease is an inflammatory reaction that progresses from gingival inflammation (gingivitis) to loss of attachment, alveolar bone resorption, and eventual tooth loss. The earliest sign, gingival bleeding (GB) is often reported as bleeding while brushing and bleeding on probing (BOP) during clinical intraoral examination. Periodontal disease at this stage is completely reversible. Therefore, this cross-sectional survey assessed the prevalence and perception of self-reported gingival bleeding (SRGB) as well as oral hygiene practices of the studied population. Methodology: 250 Healthy adults who were not mentally disabled were drawn by convenient sampling method from residents in two communities, Iyana Iba and Ipodo in Ojo and Ikeja local government areas of Lagos State. Approval was obtained from the Ethical Committee of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) Ikeja, and informed consent from all the participants. A structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain the sociodemographic, and other relevant data, including oral hygiene practices and perception of GB. Data was analysed using SPSS 24 (IBM SPSS Inc). Continuous and nominal variables were described with means, standard deviations and frequencies. Significance was set at P < 0.05. Result: The overall prevalence of SRGB was 55.6%, with 50.0% bleeding during tooth brushing; and two-thirds (67%) took no action with GB experience. 80.0% of the participants knew gingival bleeding is abnormal. Conclusion: The prevalence of SRGB was high. Majority acknowledged GB is not normal, yet, many did nothing after experiencing GB. Hence, an enlightenment program is necessary to improve their perception of GB.