From Oral Dysbiosis to Systemic Wellbeing: Exploring Patient Perceptions of the Oral Gut Connection in Periodontal Health
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59890/ijasse.v4i5.28Keywords:
Oral-Gut Connection, Periodontal Health, Patient Perception, Oral Dysbiosis, Qualitative StudyAbstract
Periodontal health is not only associated with oral conditions but may also be related to systemic health through interactions between oral and gut microbiota. However, patients’ understanding of the oral-gut connection remains insufficiently explored. This study aimed to explore periodontal patients’ perceptions regarding the relationship between oral health, oral dysbiosis, and systemic wellbeing. A qualitative exploratory approach was employed involving 15 periodontal patients selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings identified themes related to limited patient understanding, experiences of periodontal disease, and the need for integrated health education. This study contributes to the development of patient-centered periodontal education approaches based on patient perspectives.
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