Cone Beam Computed Tomography Evaluation of Root Morphology of the Premolars in Saudi Arabian Subpopulation

Abstract Objective: To evaluate root canal configuration and morphology of premolar teeth among Saudi subpopulations using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Material and Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, CBCT images of 314 patients comprising 346 maxillary and 412 mandibular first premolar (FPM) teeth, 298 maxillary and 387 mandibular second premolar (SPM) teeth were analyzed to evaluate the number of roots, root canal morphology, and configuration based on the Vertucci's classification. The average intra-class correlation coefficient value was 0.931. Results: In the maxillary first premolar, 52.6% were two separate rooted and single rooted teeth, with one canal in 81.2% of the maxillary second premolar. Among the mandibular FPM, 96.6% of the teeth had one root and canal, and 97.9% of mandibular SPM had one root and canal. Type 1 canal configuration was seen as most common in all premolars. The number of roots in mandibular premolars did not reveal the difference among gender. Conclusion: Wide variations in root canal morphology and canal configuration system exists among maxillary and mandibular premolar teeth (AU).

Assessment of Children's Oral Health-Related Knowledge and Self-Efficacy in Expectant Mothers of Najran, Saudi Arabia

Abstract Objective: To assess the knowledge of pregnant women regarding their child's oral health. Material and Methods: A questionnaire was developed and the 1st section comprised sociodemographic variables. The second section contained questions about the eruption of teeth, fluoride importance, cariogenic food, and dental visits. The questionnaire was shared electronically via a link to the receptionist of the gynaecologist at different health centres of Najran to be filled by expectant mothers. The convenient sampling method was used to collect the responses. Data were presented using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 572 pregnant women participated in this survey. Three hundred and fifteen (55.1%) knew that 1st primary tooth erupts at the age of 6 months. The majority of the respondents (n=332) agreed that toothbrushes and toothpaste could be used to clean a child's teeth; only 5.4%, 10%, and 24.5% preferred miswak, mouthwash, and toothbrush, respectively. Participants were well familiar with cariogenic food and occasionally allowed their children to take it. They have enough knowledge about fluoride toothpaste, but they were not familiar with the benefits of fluoride varnish. Almost 50% of the respondents agreed that the child should visit the dentist within six months, and 27.4% said they should visit the dentist whenever there is a problem. Conclusion: Almost 50% of participants showed a positive attitude towards most questions. However, there is a need to improve their behaviour and knowledge about many aspects of dental care.

Awareness, Knowledge, and Attitude of Saudi Students towards Basic Life Support: A Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the knowledge and attitude in relation to basic life support (BLS) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills among the dental undergraduates and interns in Sakaka, Saudi Arabia. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was undertaken between October 2019 and December 2019 in Sakaka, Saudi Arabia. One hundred and eighty randomly selected dental students aged over 18 years participated in the study. Their knowledge and attitude towards BLS were gathered through a questionnaire. Results: A total of 158 (out of 180) UG students and interns participated in this study, making the responses of 87.8%. The mean age of the participants was 24.6 years. The samples comprised 86 (54.4%) males and 72 (45.6%) females. The assessments showed that overall the participants had average knowledge towards BLS and CPR, with males responding significantly better than the females (p˂0.05). Furthermore, as students climb the academic ladder, their knowledge regarding BLS and CPR tends to rise. Also, their attitude was positive, and they were willing to receive CPR training. Conclusion: Attitude toward acquiring knowledge about CPR was very positive. However, their knowledge about the topic was average. Students should understand the importance of such skills and efficiently involve in these life-saving procedures.

Cephalometric for Orthognathic Surgery (COGS) Analysis for Saudi Population

ABSTRACT Objective: To establish the cephalometric (Ceph.) norm by Ceph. for orthognathic surgery (COGS) analysis for Saudi population. Material and Methods: 500 adult Saudi samples (250 males and 250 females) with the age range of 18-30 years old were selected for this study. The selections of samples were based on a normal occlusal relationship, no history of facial trauma and no previous orthodontic treatment. Lateral Ceph. radiographs were tracing by CASSOS software and analyzed by SPSS software according to COGS analysis. Results: Significant differences were showed between the Saudi males and females on most of the Ceph. parameters. The Saudi males had a convex facial profile with chin prominent and more bimaxillary protrusion, upper and lower lip protrusion than the Saudi females. Conclusion: This study evaluated the craniofacial morphological difference between the male and the female population in Saudi Arabia by using COGS analysis. The finding of this study will help for better diagnosis of orthodontic and orthognathic surgical treatment planning and identify the morphological facial characteristics of Saudi patients.

Qualitative Analysis of Root Canal Treatments performed by Undergraduate Students: A Retrospective Study

ABSTRACT Objective: Toanalyze the technical quality of endodontic treatment carried out at the undergraduate dental clinics. Material and Methods: Random radiographic records of 92 patients' were selected who received endodontic treatment by the undergraduate students from June 2018 to July 2019. The quality of root canal filling was determined in relation to the adequate density, length, and taper. Statistical analysis was performed by using GraphPad (Prism 5), and to determine the association between different variables Chi-square test was used. Results: Adequate technical quality of canal obturation conducted by the undergraduate students was found in less than 65% of the cases. The frequency of adequate root canal taper was significantly greater in maxillary teeth (75%) as compared to mandibular teeth (33%); however, adequacy of acceptable density was found more in maxillary teeth (62%) as compared to mandibular teeth (55%).A statistically significant difference was seen in the quality of root canal fillings between anterior and posterior teeth (p=0.001). Conclusion: The root canal therapy performed by undergraduate students was less than optimum in terms of technical quality. Hence, it is suggested that the endodontic training courses delivered at pre-clinical and clinical levelsfor undergraduate students must be thoroughly revised.

Personnel Protective Equipment: Forgotten Protocol, Invigorated by COVID-19

Abstract Objective: To make the readers cognizant about the use of Personnel Protective Equipment (PPEs) and infection control practices which should always form a part of basic patient management and not arise with every emerging disease. Material and Methods: Authors personal clinical experiences and existing literature were summed up to infer relevant information related specifically to dentistry. A comprehensive review was done for the last 15 years in an attempt to explain the current state of understanding on the topic. Results: The authors have tried to compile the most probable reasons as to why PPEs have been a forgotten protocol, which can be enumerated as follows: decreased awareness, financial issues, boredom and lethargy, time constraints, unavailability, carelessness, and burnout due to long procedure and patient feeling discomfort/offended. Conclusion: COVID-19 being highly infectious, a dental clinic is a potential and genuine point of source for many new infections, and no confabulation is less to underline the importance of using PPEs during this pandemic or even otherwise.

Clinical Competence of Undergraduate Dental Students in Pediatric Dentistry at a Saudi Dental School

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the clinical competence of undergraduate dental students in pediatric dentistry at Qassim University dental school. Material and Methods: A retrospective audit of students' clinical competency sheets of fourth and fifth-year students (n= 102) over two years was performed. Mean competency scores for each clinical procedure aswell as overall scores of the students were compared according to their academic level and gender. Also, the percentage of competent students was compared according to the academic level. Chi-square and t-tests were used to analyze the data (p<0.05). Results: Compared to fifth-year students, fourth-year students were significantly more competent in pediatric dentistry (100% scored >50% overall compared to 86.9 % of fifth-year students). They had significantly higher mean overall scores (84.63 ± 9.15 compared to 67.68 ± 13.83) as well as individual scores in performing an examination, diagnosis, and treatment planning of a child patient, restorations, and stainless steel crowns than fifth-year students. In addition, females had significantly higher mean scores in the aforementioned procedures and in placing esthetic crowns (p<0.05). Conclusion: Fourth-year dental students at Qassim University were more competent clinically than fifth-year students in pediatric dentistry. Also, in most of the shared procedures, females were more competent than males. A deficiency in the competence of fifth-year students was noted in pulp therapy, stainless steel and esthetic crowns procedures, and these are currently being addressed.

Clinical Consequences of Untreated Dental Caries among Primary School Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the dental caries experience and clinical consequences of untreated dental caries (UDC) among primary school children of Al Jouf region, Saudi Arabia and to determine the correlation between dental caries experience and clinical consequences of UDC. Material and Methods: A 250 primary school children 6-7 years were recruited using systematic random sampling. The prevalence of dental caries in deciduous dentition was assessed by following WHO criteria using the dmft index and the clinical consequence of UDC was assessed with the pufa index. The pufa score was calculated cumulatively following the pufa diagnostic criteria. The Student's t-test was used to equate the mean dmft and pufa scores between boys and girls. The correlation between the dmft and the pufa scores was evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficient (r), and the p-value was set at 0.05 for statistical significance. Results: Out of which 154 (61.60%) boys and 94 (37.60%) were girls. The mean (SD) values of dmft for boys reported to be 5.37 (± 3.31) and for girls 6.35 (± 3.27), which was statistically significant with gender (p<0.001). Statistically, significant mean values of pufa were 1.20 (± 1.37) in boys and 1.71 (± 1.58) in girls, respectively was observed (p<0.001). The Pearson correlation between dmft and pufa values showed a highly significant positive correlation among dmft and pufa values (r= 0.635, p<0.001). Conclusion: The present study revealed that high caries prevalence and experience of the clinical consequences of UDC in the primary dentition, and there was a strong positive correlation between dmft and pufa score values.

Assessment of Caries Spectrum of First Permanent Molars in 7- to 8-Year-Old School Children in Northern Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Objective: To estimate caries spectrum in first permanent molars (FPMs) of 7- to 8-year-old children in Saudi Arabia using Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment (CAST) index, and examine the correlation between distributions of CAST codes among contralateral and opposite arches. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted of 7- to 8-year-old Saudi school children in Sakaka, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia. A total of 385 children were examined. CAST codes were determined for FPMs, and their distribution was analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Statistical significance was set as p<0.05. Intra-examiner reliability was determined using the unweighted kappa coefficient. Results: The results indicated most of the FPMs were scored as code 3 (enamel lesions) such as upper contralateral FPM 44.40% for right, 53.50% for left, respectively, and lower contralateral molars were 61.30% for right and 64.90% for left, respectively. It was also observed that upper FPMs had scored code 0 (sound teeth) more than that of lower FPMs. Serious morbidity (codes 6 and 7) and mortality (code 8) showed a low prevalence in FPMs. Strong correlations were observed between upper contralateral FPMs (r=0.586) and lower contralateral FPMs (r=0.567, p<0.001). Conclusion: A high prevalence of enamel caries lesions (code 3) was observed in FPMs; in addition, a strong correlation was present between upper contralateral FPMs and between lower contralateral FPMs.

Oral Habits: Prevalence and Effects on Occlusion Among 7 to 13 Years Old School Children in Aseer, Saudi Arabia

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of deleterious oral habits and its effect on occlusion in school going children from 7 to 13 years old, in Aseer region of Saudi Arabia. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by clinical examination for the total sample of 750, who were attending private/ government schools in Aseer region school. Students were selected by stratified cluster random sampling. Clinical findings of each oral habits, including assessment of malocclusion, were examined involving the following parameters, i.e., crowding, spacing, open bite, crossbite and deep bite. Logistic regression analysis was conducted. Results: Boys had 26.2 % of crowded teeth, while 16.3% of girls were found to have crowded teeth; the difference was found to be significant (p=0.002). Spacing was present in 26.4% of boys and 16.7% girls; a significant difference was found between the two (p=0.002). Sleep bruxism was observed more among male subjects than females with a statistically significant difference in detrimental habits (p<0.001). Those subjects having tongue thrusting are 1.264 times at more risk of having crowded teeth than those with no tongue thrusting. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of malocclusion associated with harmful oral habits in children. This highlighted the need to implement programs of oral care and health education for preventive orthodontic treatment at an early age.

Prevalence of Peg-Shaped Lateral Incisors in Non-Syndromic Subjects: A Multi-Population Study

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and gender-wise distribution of peg-shaped maxillary permanent lateral incisors among populations in Saudi Arabia representing different geographical locations (Saudi, Jordan, Egypt, Syria, Philippine, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh). Material and Methods: Panoramic radiographs of 9945 patients attending outpatient university dental clinics of College of Dentistry, Jouf University, Saudi Arabia between February 2014 and January 2018 were collected from the archives randomly. Two calibrated investigators examined the data, which were collected from the dental radiology department archives with prior permission from the authorities. The anomalies of maxillary lateral incisors (right and left) were investigated. Results: Among all geographic locations, the prevalence of peg laterals was more in males in comparison to females except in Pakistani and Philippine populations. Among the Saudi population, peg laterals' prevalence was more in case of right lateral incisor than the left incisor. Conclusion: A higher prevalence of peg laterals was found in Saudi. Conclusion: A higher prevalence of peg laterals was found in Saudi region, followed by Egypt. Among all geographic locations, the prevalence of peg laterals was higher in males than females except for Pakistan and Philippines populations. Among Saudi population prevalence of peg laterals was found to be higher in case of right lateral incisor when compared to the left.

What do Parents Know About Oral Health and Care for Preschool Children in the Central Region of Saudi Arabia?

Abstract Objective: To assess the knowledge level of parents from the central region of Saudi Arabia about oral health and care of preschool children and its relation with sociodemographic variables, parents' self-perception toward their dental health, importance of teeth, and frequency of dental visits. Material and Methods: A random sample of 754 parents participated in this cross-sectional study and completed an internationally accepted questionnaire. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data (p<0.05). Results: Mean knowledge score of the parents was 4.8 (out of 11). Less than 20% of the parents were knowledgeable about the best position for tooth brushing, the concentration of fluoride in a child's toothpaste, timing of first dental check-up, and best time to give a sugary snack. Mothers, parents with high educational level and family income, parents with a positive attitude towards teeth and excellent self-perception of their dental health were significantly more likely to score higher (p<0.05). Conclusion: Knowledge of parents about oral health and care of preschool children in the central region of Saudi Arabia was deficient. Gender, education level of parents, family income, attitude about teeth and self-perception of parents' own dental health were factors, which influenced their knowledge. To improve parents' knowledge, health professionals' role should be improved, and TV commercials directed toward the areas, which had gaps in knowledge.

Self-Perceived Preparedness to Work Independently Among Graduating Dental Students in Saudi Arabia: Traditional Versus Integrated Curriculum

Abstract Objective: To investigate the perceived preparedness of graduating dental students to work independently and to compare these perceptions between Traditional and Integrated curriculums of dentistry in Saudi Arabia. Material and Methods: A pretested self-administered questionnaire was filled by 258 dental students from four dental institutions across the country. The questionnaire covered 10 domains consisting of sixty suitable questions. Students were asked to mark their responses at one of five levels of performance for each of the selected skills ranging from 0 (not yet learned) to 4 (can do it confidently). Mean scores for each subscale of the Questionnaire were calculated by individual items and for all comparison, p≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: 253 graduating students were included in the final analysis, out of which 108 belongs to the Integrated curriculum group and 145 from Traditional curriculum. Overall scores of Traditional curriculum students (176 ± 4.8) were more compared to Integrated curriculum students (161 ± 3.2), which are statistically significant. Integrated curriculum students had more self-perceived skill scores in Orthodontics, Conservative/Operative Dentistry & Endodontics, Dental Public Health and Drug & Emergency management group of clinical skills. Overall, perceived preparedness to practice dentistry for all participants is 60.5% and traditional curriculum students expressed more preparedness (68%) than Integrated curriculum (53%). Conclusion: Overall, preparedness to practice independently is unsatisfactory compared to other countries. The Ministry of Education (KSA) should take necessary actions to bridge the gap between training dentists and to be competent practitioners.

Prevalence of Dental Fluorosis in Saudi Arabia: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract Objective: To identify the prevalence of dental fluorosis in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Material and Methods: Literature search for the present study aimed to include all the relevant studies conducted in Saudi Arabia that reported prevalence of dental fluorosis. A literature search was done using keywords (dental, fluorosis, prevalence) using three databases (Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science). Grey literature was also searched using Google Scholar and research gate. Literature was searched from 1939 till April 2020. The risk of bias was reported using JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data. Twelve studies were included based on inclusive criteria. The only inclusive criteria were studies that were conducted among people living in Saudi Arabia, and studies that reported the prevalence of dental fluorosis. Samples from all age groups that reported prevalence of dental fluorosis were included. MedCalc statistical software was used to perform the analysis. Results: The overall prevalence of dental fluorosis was found to be 46.52%, 95 CI (26.52% to 67.12%). I2 value was reported 99.8%, 95 CI (99.78% to 99.83%), indicating high heterogeneity amongst the finding of studies. Funnel plots indicate the presence of a strong publication bias. Overall, we found some contrasting findings. One study reported prevalence of dental fluorosis as 0% and other with a comparatively large sample size found dental fluorosis to be 90.6%. Conclusion: The present study adds to the literature regarding dental fluorosis in Saudi Arabia by providing an overview of its prevalence. It is concluded that prevalence of dental fluorosis was a bit high. However, findings indicate publication bias. We did not account for severity of dental fluorosis. All the available data was analyzed to measure dental fluorosis prevalence without considering the sample size and sampling technique.

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) in Patients with Dental Prosthesis

Abstract Objective: To determine the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) for post-treated fixed dental prostheses in selected sample of patients. Material and Methods: 120 patients treated with fixed dental prostheses, either single crowns or fixed partial dentures in maxillary or mandibular arches were asked to express their views about their quality of life. Patients' files were randomly selected from the archives of Department of Prosthetic Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Jouf University, Saudi Arabia. For this purpose, a self-structured questionnaire was prepared and their responses recorded. The responses were categorized on a 5 point scale and frequencies calculated. Results: Of 120 patients approached, 79 responded with the mean age group of 37 years. From the survey, it was noted that only three variables were statistically significant, those relating to the importance of natural teeth over fixed prostheses (p=0.046), the ability to chew all kinds of foods (p=0.021) and satisfaction with the occlusion (p<0.001). Conclusion: Oral health remains important, which directly or indirectly is related to many systemic diseases. In the present study, the majority of patients were satisfied with the treatment given.

Getting to Know SARS-CoV-2: Towards a Better Understanding of the Factors Influencing Transmission

Abstract In November 2002, a virus known as SARS-CoV was identified in Guangdong, China, and it was implicated as the etiology of severe acute respiratory syndrome. Seventeen years later, in the same month of November, a similar disease with more dramatic outcomes was identified in neighboring Wuhan. It has been six months since the identification of first cases of COVID-19 pandemic; however, unveiling clinical characteristics and modes of transmission of the disease are taking longer than expected. This overview aims to highlight some important points regarding the mode of transmission for which continuously surprising facts are being revealed every day. We also raise some vital questions to alert the scientific community to find the right answers and minimize the drastic fatal outcomes of this disease. It can be stated that SARS-CoV-2 could be transmitted as aerosol infection as well as through contacting infected surfaces. The possible role of abdominal gases as a route of spread of the virus should be considered and a fecal sample might be a useful diagnostic tool. Moreover, medical face masks are not protective from virus transmission during treating COVID-19 patients in settings where aerosol-generating procedures are performed. Doffing of PPE for healthcare workers needs more attention as this might be a source of infection unless additional measures of PPE disinfection are employed before doffing.

Challenges of Autism Spectrum Disorders Families Towards Oral Health Care in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding oral health care among parents of autistic children and also the challenges faced by them in providing dental care for their Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) children's in four regions of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Material and Methods: In total, 263 parents of autistic children participated in this cross-sectional study who were enrolled from 4 major regions of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire formulated in simple Arabic was distributed to parents of children diagnosed with autism or any form of ASD. The questionnaires consisted of demographic questions and also to assess their knowledge on oral health, child's oral hygiene practices and visits to their dentist, oral hygiene, experience and challenges in waiting room area before the dental treatment, acceptance of treatment or rejection, accessibility to find non-dental centers either government or private for treatment and their recommendations. Results: All the parents brushed their child's teeth using a toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. A total of 29.7% of the parents informed that their child never brushes teeth. A total of 41.4% of the parents visit the dental clinic when the child complains about dental problems and 54% find difficulty in locating appropriate dental clinic to deal with their ASD children. Most parents reported taking their child to a private office (38.8%). Only 3.8% of parents reported that their children had seizures during dental procedures. Conclusion: The knowledge toward oral health was found to be inadequate among the majority of the parents. Parents of ASD children need to be educated about the consequences of oral health neglect and the importance of regular check-ups.

Pattern and Severity of Early Childhood Caries among Preschool Children in Northern Region, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: To investigate the pattern and severity of early childhood caries (ECC) by using the decayed and filled surface (dfs) index in preschool children in Al-Jouf, Saudi Arabia. Material and Methods: A convenience sample of 270 preschool children below 5 years of age (144 boys, 126 girls) attending outpatient pediatric dental clinics was selected for the study. World Health Organization criteria were used to diagnose caries through assessment of the dfs index. Information regarding oral hygiene practices, socio-economic status, and educational status of the mother was obtained through a structured questionnaire given to mothers. The data were statistically analyzed with the Chi-square test and Student's t-test. Results: 73% of children were not brushing regularly; 74.4% of them were using fluoridated toothpaste. In the maxillary teeth, boys had a higher mean dfs index (10.25), as well as a higher number of decayed surfaces (ds), than girls. In the mandibular teeth, boys and girls had similar mean dfs indices. Significant differences were observed between boys and girls regarding filled buccal surfaces (p=0.001) and occlusal surfaces (p=0.001) in maxillary teeth. The mandibular first molar was the most commonly affected tooth (93.3%); lower anterior teeth were the least affected teeth (2-4%) among the primary dentition. Conclusion: The ECC pattern in the northern region of Saudi Arabia follows the typical pattern of nursing caries.

Comparative Measurement of Tooth Length: Actual vs. Orthopantomography and CBCT-Based Measurements

Objective: To compare the reliability of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in assessing the tooth length in comparison to orthopantomography (OPG). Material and Methods: Forty patients scheduled for extraction as result of caries or periodontal involvements were randomly selected. Panoramic radiographs and CBCT images were obtained and subsequently patients were subjected for extraction. Teeth with poor prognosis were extracted and stored in 10% formalin. Radiographic teeth measurements were carried out on OPG and CBCT images using a software and the actual tooth length (A-L) measurements were carried out with a digital vernier caliper. The data collected were statistically analyzed for paired "t" test significance of differences and Pearson's correlation at 5% level of confidence. Results: There was significant difference comparing all three actual tooth length (A-L) and CBCT- and OPG-measured tooth lengths. A significant positive correlation was observed among all the measurements. Conclusion: CBCT images exhibited accuracy over panoramic images even though the measurements are still significantly different from actual anatomical tooth lengths.

Prevalence and Molecular Analysis of Novel Newly Identified Periodontal Pathogens in Subgingival Plaque Samples of Saudi Patients with Chronic Periodontitis

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of novel newly identified periodontal pathogenic strains in subgingival plaque samples and relate it with bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth and age. Material and Methods: 268 chronic periodontitis patients with a mean age of 46.0 ± 6.0 years were included. The following microorganisms were evaluated: Campylobacter gracilis (Cg), Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), and Tannerella forsythia (Tf). Full mouth examination was registered; the probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level were assessed at six sites per tooth. Dental subgingival plaque samples were taken in the deepest pocket per arch in the maxilla and mandible. DNA analysis was performed using DNA-strip technology. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used for statistical analysis. Results: Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia were detected at high level of 80% and 82% respectively. F nucleatum revealed a rate of 94%. Bacterial load significantly increased by increasing mean probing depth of the examined sites. Pearson's coefficient was the highest for Pg (r=0.62, p=0.0001) and the lowest for Cg (r=0.08, p=0.04). The bacterial load significantly increased by increasing the number of bleeding sites; Pearson's coefficient varied from r= 0.14 for Pg (p=0.01) to r=0.39 for Tf (p=0.001). Conclusion: It was confirmed the presence of main putative periodontal pathogens detectable in Saudi periodontal subjects, also providing a comprehensive view for correlation of these putative periodontal pathogens with the increase in probing pocket depth to the presence and load of all the bacterial species.