This cross-sectional observational study aims to evaluate the association between nicotine dependence and periodontal disease awareness in individuals diagnosed with gingivitis or periodontitis. While the relationship between cigarette smoking and periodontal disease has been extensively investigated, most previous studies have focused primarily on quantitative smoking exposure measures such as the number of cigarettes smoked per day or smoking duration. In contrast, nicotine dependence represents a behavioral dimension of smoking that may influence how individuals perceive and interpret health-related symptoms.
Nicotine dependence will be assessed using the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). Periodontal disease awareness will be determined through patient-reported responses regarding their perception of periodontal health. In addition, clinical periodontal parameters including plaque index, bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL) will be recorded during routine periodontal examination.
The primary objective of this study is to investigate whether nicotine dependence level is associated with periodontal disease awareness. Secondary analyses will explore the relationships between nicotine dependence and clinical periodontal parameters to better understand potential mechanisms that may influence awareness patterns in smokers.