Lsmu Students’ Knowledge of Periodontitis and Its Links to Gut Health

Introduction The oral cavity and gut host the most diverse microbial communities, known as the microbiota [1]. An imbalance in the microbiota is called dysbiosis [2,3]. Periodontitis is already known to be associated with systemic diseases [4]. Recently, oral-gut dysbiosis in the context of periodontitis has gained more attention, highlighting its bidirectional relationship [2,4]. This study aims to assess the knowledge of LSMU dentistry and medicine students regarding this relationship. Aim To assess the knowledge and sources of learning about the oral-gut axis, periodontitis, and its systemic implications among Lithuanian and international students from the faculties of odontology and medicine at LSMU across different years of study. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among LSMU dental and medical students after bioethical approval. An original 20-question questionnaire, based on literature, assessed knowledge of periodontitis, oral-gut dysbiosis, and systemic implications. It was distributed online, with voluntary, anonymous participation. Data collection lasted five days. SPSS was used for descriptive and Chi-Square analyses (p < 0.05). Results The survey of 113 students (50.4% Lithuanian, 49.6% international) showed that 75.2% were familiar with the oralgut axis, with no significant difference between groups (U=1400.5, p=0.254). Familiarity peaked in Years 3-4 (81.0%) and declined in Year 5 (52.2%, p=0.415). Awareness of systemic diseases related to periodontitis varied: Cardiovascular disease at 68.1% (Lithuanian: 64.9%, International: 71.4%). Diabetes at 57.7% (Lithuanian: 64.9%, International: 50.0%). Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) at 60.2% (Lithuanian: 60.0%, International: 60.4%). Rheumatoid disease 29.2% (Lithuanian: 24.6%, International: 33.9%). Alzheimer’s disease (21.2%) and cancer (12.4%) got the least response. Dentistry students demonstrated higher awareness of the systemic implications of oral-gut dysbiosis (69.8%) compared to medical students (52.5%, p=0.002). Awareness of periodontitis' ability to induce gut changes peaked at 85.7% in Year 4, with a significant association between field and year (p=0.026), especially among medical students (p=0.002). Students primarily relied on university resources (46%), with international students conducting more personal research (26.8% vs. 19.3%). Conclusions No significant difference was found between international and Lithuanian students in oral-gut axis awareness (p = 0.254). Dentistry students had higher awareness of systemic diseases than medical students, cancer and Alzheimer’s were the least known with no difference among students (p = 0.643, p = 0.725). A knowledge gap was observed in senior years, particularly Year 5. International students relied more on personal research, while Lithuanian students used university sources (p = 0.002).