Full Title: The Evaluation of the 15-item Food Frequency Questionnaire as a Screening Tool for Dietary Habits Contributing to Periodontal Disease

Authors: Anna M. Franek, MSDH, RDH, Keeley E. Flavin, MSDH, LDH, RF , Brian D. Hatch, DDS, Ziou Jiang, MS, Yvette M. Reibel, EdD, MSDH

JDH Issue: August 2026

Program Track: Research

Abstract: Purpose: Dietary practices play a key role in chronic disease, and dental hygienists are well-positioned to provide person-centered care to enhance oral health and wellness, including nutritional counseling. The purpose of this study was to utilize the 15-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and Diet Quality Score (DQS) to explore the correlation between diet, periodontal inflammation, and the risk of periodontal disease. Methods: A total of 1,470 patients of record from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry dental hygiene clinic were invited to participate in an electronic survey assessing food frequencies. Responses to the 15-item FFQ were assessed using the DQS and were combined with the participants’ bleeding on probing (BOP) and periodontal risk assessment (PRA) scores. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: A response rate of 26% was observed (N = 379). There was a negative correlation between the percentage of BOP sites and DQS scores, indicating an inverse relationship between diet and periodontal inflammation (p = .001). A significant difference in average total DQS scores was found among PRA scores (p = 0.020). Specifically, the low PRA and moderate PRA groups demonstrated a significant difference (p = 0.017). Additionally, significant differences were observed in PRA scores (p < 0.001) and total DQS (p = 0.025), suggesting variations in the risk of periodontal disease and diet quality. Conclusion: The use of a 15-item FFQ and a DQS can serve as an effective screening tool for dietary habits as they relate to periodontal inflammation, supporting dental hygienists in identifying dietary risk factors for periodontal disease.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze the relationship between Diet Quality Score (DQS), bleeding on probing (BOP), and periodontal disease risk.
• Interpret findings from the 15-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) to identify dietary patterns associated with periodontal inflammation.
• Evaluate the potential role of dietary screening and nutritional counseling in periodontal risk assessment and preventive care.

CE Credit Hours: 2.0

The American Dental Hygienists' Association is designated as an approved provider by the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, Inc. #AADHADH (Jan. 1, 2026–Dec. 31, 2026). Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial Board of Dentistry. Licensee should maintain this document in the event of an audit.

The American Dental Hygienists’ Association is an approved provider of dental continuing education as recognized by the Dental Board of California, Provider #5238.