Perception of Gingival Bleeding by People and Healthcare Professionals: A Multicentre Study in an Adult French Population

• Main Authors: Alexandre Baudet, Thomas Veynachter, Hélène Rousseau, Fani Anagnostou, Sylvie Jeanne, Valérie Orti, Nathalie Thilly, Céline Clément, Catherine Bisson
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-08-01
• Series: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Subjects: gingival bleeding; gingivitis; periodontal diseases awareness; self-report; reaction; oral hygiene
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/16/5982
• ISSN: 1661-7827; 1660-4601

Gingival bleeding (GB) is a common sign of gingival inflammation, which indicates the presence of periodontal diseases. This study aimed to describe the perception of French adults about their self-reported GB and answers of healthcare professionals regarding the GB reported by these interviewees. A questionnaire administered by one investigator in each of three public settings of four cities in France from September 2016 to November 2017. Among 794 adults interviewed, 502 (63.2%) reported a GB. Among them, 414 (82.5%) believed that GB is benign, and 309 (61.6%) declared one or more responses. The three main responses were to use mouthwash (29.3%), to change to a soft-bristle toothbrush (20.1%) and to modify the brushing technique (19.3%). Almost half (49.0%) questioned at least one healthcare professional concerning their GB: a dentist (43.0%), a physician (14.1%), and a pharmacist (8.0%). The main response of each healthcare professional was: for dentists: a “prescription of mouthwash”, for physicians to say “gingival bleeding is not serious”; and for pharmacists: “to sell a mouthwash”. Most of the participants considered their GB as benign and had inappropriate responses, which indicates their lack of knowledge regarding periodontal health. The same conclusions can be drawn for healthcare professionals, as reported by interviewees.