CLINICAL AND HYGIENIC SIGNIFICANCE OF ORAL HYGIENE STATUS AND LIFESTYLE FACTORS IN THE PREVALENCE OF GINGIVITIS AND PERIODONTITIS AMONG MEDICAL UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Periodontal diseases are among the most prevalent oral health conditions in young adults and are strongly influenced by oral hygiene practices and lifestyle behaviors. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of gingivitis and periodontitis among medical university students and to evaluate the relationship between periodontal health, oral hygiene status, and behavioral risk factors. A cross-sectional clinical study was conducted among 312 students aged 18–30 years. Periodontal status was assessed using the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S), Gingival Index (GI), and Community Periodontal Index (CPI). A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on toothbrushing frequency, interdental cleaning, smoking, perceived stress, sleep duration, and dental attendance. Gingivitis was identified in 68.6% of participants, while early periodontitis was diagnosed in 12.2%. Poor oral hygiene, smoking, elevated stress, and insufficient sleep were significantly associated with worse periodontal outcomes (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression showed that daily smoking, inadequate oral hygiene, and high stress were independent predictors of periodontitis. The findings indicate that gingivitis and early periodontal destruction are common among medical students and are significantly associated with modifiable lifestyle factors. Regular periodontal screening, preventive education, and behavioral counseling are recommended to improve periodontal health in this population.