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OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate, through a questionnaire, patients' awareness and behavior regarding periodontal disease, as well as their perceptions of the importance of self-care in order to control the disease. METHODS: 50 male and female patients, age ranging between 31 to 67 years old, presenting moderate to advanced periodontal disease were submitted to a 26 question-survey which aimed to assess the following: the patient's profile, his knowledge and awareness of the periodontal disease ,the dental practioner's commitment as to inform the patient about the importance of the concepts and understandings of his own self-care related to the disease. After data tabulation, they were subjected to exploratory analysis by means of tables and graphics of distribution of frequencies. RESULTS: The data showed that most patients were unanimously aware of the presence of periodontal disease and it also demonstrated that if they follow the dentist's recommendations, there will be a better disease prognosis. About 94 to 96% of the participants in the sample showed a higher level of knowledge about the etiology, treatment and consequences of periodontal disease, and reported that such information came from dental professionals. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the periodontal disease patient becomes motivated to promote his self-care when the dentist promotes a proper instruction.

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