Bridging the Gap in Periodontal Health Knowledge: A Comprehensive Review of Awareness Levels and Barriers in Saudi Arabia.

Understanding of periodontal diseases and their broader health relevance is considered an important aspect to achieve better self-awareness of health. Therefore, this review aimed to explore the awareness levels of periodontium diseases among various locations and populations in Saudi Arabia. A comprehensive approach was used among multiple databases and search engines, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar, focusing on awareness levels among the general population and vulnerable groups (such as diabetic patients and pregnant women), in addition to healthcare providers. The synthesis of the review follows the hermeneutic approach, which involves identifying themes through repeated reading and interpretation of the findings. The review shows the urgent need for culturally sensitive and comprehensive oral health educational programs targeting the general population, vulnerable groups, and healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia. Integration of educational oral health programs into the routine practice of maternal health management and chronic disease clinics, along with prevention campaigns and healthcare provider training and development, is essential to improve the level of awareness of periodontal diseases.