Abstract: Periodontal disease has become one of the major oral problems threatening the health of people. The illness perception of patients with periodontal disease affects their oral health care behavior, treatment compliance and oral health-related quality of life. It is an entry point for oral healthcare professionals to implement interventions. This paper reviewed the illness perception in periodontal patients from the following areas: current situation, assessment tools, influencing factors, and intervention measures. It is expected to enhance the attention of clinical healthcare professionals on illness perception of periodontal patients, and to provide reference for practice on this area.

Key words: periodontal disease; illness perception; nursing care; review