Promoting Public Awareness of Periodontal Disease Using the Saliva Test

Abstract

The saliva test was administered to participants of an oral health promotion event organized by the Tokyo Minato-ku Shiba Dental Association. The health promotion event was organized once a year in a public square in front of JR Shimbashi Station for five years. The event was aimed to promote awareness of periodontal disease through the saliva test.

The results were sent to the subjects with a questionnaire by post. The questionnaire consisted of 7 items: i) How did you learn about this event?, ii) Was the saliva test easy for you?, iii) Did you feel resistance to saliva collection?, iv) Do you want to participate in this event again?, v) Do you understand the test results?, vi) Will you now go for a dental check-up?, and vii) Have you become interested in periodontal disease through the saliva test?

Almost all respondents of the questionnaire showed positive attitudes towards the saliva test and an increased awareness of periodontal disease as a result of this event; however, the response rate was low (survey response rate; 22.1%). Therefore, the saliva test may promote public awareness of periodontal disease.