Introduction: Majority of the Indians lives in rural India. Periodontal diseases are highly prevalent in India and periodontitis is one of the main causes of tooth loss. Periodontal diseases are related to various systemic diseases. Accessibility to dental care is one of the major challenges of the rural population and hence, dental health education is an essential pre requisite for improving the periodontal health in rural population. Objective: To evaluate the knowledge related to periodontal disease, its impact on systemic health and to assess the attitude towards periodontal treatment among rural population of eastern Uttar Pradesh. Material and Methods: Questionnaire survey on knowledge and attitude towards periodontal disease and its treatment was conducted among 1000 participants age ranging between 35-65 years, The responses recorded were subjected to statistical analysis to obtain results. Results: As per the findings, most of the respondents had poor knowledge about periodontal disease and its treatment. In terms of knowledge related to periodontal disease, its impact on systemic health and their attitude towards periodontal treatment was not statistically significant. Conclusion: It was concluded that rural public had poor knowledge about periodontal disease, its impact on systemic health was also very poor and they also had a very poor attitude towards periodontal treatment. Hence, special attention is needed to educate and motivate the rural population regarding importance of maintaining periodontal health.

Attitude; Knowledge; Periodontal disease; Periodontal treatment; Rural public; Systemic health.