GINGIVITIS RISK ASSESSMENT AMONG INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS OF GEORGIAN UNIVERSITIES

The beginning of university life is often the first time that young people take responsibility for their daily habits. Unhealthy eating habits may be the cause of the development of inflammatory periodontal diseases in young people. Changing habits may be especially problematic for students who go to study in other countries. The aim of our study was to assess the risk of gingivitis among international students at Georgian universities. We studied the periodontal health of 320 international students aged 17-29 (21.64+2.3) at Georgian universities, including 108 (33.8%) women and 192 (66.2%) men. As well as their social characteristics and habitual factors, type of nutrition, oral care habits and hygiene characteristics. Results: the risk of developing gingivitis among foreign students of Georgian universities increases: use of mouthwash - OR=0.29 (95% CI: 0.14-0.61); cigarette use - OR=2.02 (95% CI: 1.14-3.59); gastrointestinal tract pathologies - OR=3.84 (95% CI: 1.17-12.57); respiratory infections - OR=2.56 (95% CI: 1.33-4.90); taking medications - OR=3.14 (95% CI: 1.38-7.15); frequent consumption of spicy food - OR=6.88 (95% CI: 2.69-17.60); healthy diet OR=0.21 (95% CI: 0.09-0.49); use of synthetic liquids - OR=4.93 (95% CI: 2.01-12.08); orthognathic occlusion - OR=0.02 (95% CI: 0.00-0.17); distal occlusion - OR=3.16 (95% CI: 1.10-9.10). Conclusion: The risk of gingivitis among foreign students of Georgian universities is determined by behavioral factors, hygiene level and dental condition.