Periodontal health knowledge and preventive practices among young educated adults: a cross-sectional study

Periodontal health literacy is a key determinant of oral hygiene behaviours and periodontal disease prevention. Despite broad research, comparative data across different professional student streams within the same setting are limited. To assess and compare periodontal health-related knowledge and preventive practices among medical, engineering, and business undergraduate students and to identify associated factors, without implying causal relationships. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 undergraduate students from three professional colleges. Stratified random sampling was used. A pilot-tested 15-item questionnaire with acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.82) evaluated knowledge, practices, and limited motivational items. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, Kruskal–Wallis tests with Dunn’s post-hoc analyses, effect sizes (Cramer’s V, η²) and multivariable logistic regression (adjusted for age, gender, and socioeconomic status) were applied. Results: Among 300 participants, 202 (67.3%) were female and 98 (32.7%) were male, with a mean age of 20.36 ± 1.93 years. Only 88 (29.3%) reported correct brushing technique, 37 (12.3%) were aware of dental floss, and 27 (9.0%) reported regular preventive dental visits. Engineering students had higher compliance with toothbrush replacement (84%; p < 0.001), and medical students showed greater systemic–oral health awareness. After adjustment, academic discipline remained independently associated with brushing frequency (OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.21–2.74). Periodontal knowledge and preventive practices were suboptimal among young educated adults. These findings provide baseline evidence for structured educational interventions; future longitudinal and interventional studies are recommended.