Periodontal Diseases May Impair Quality of Life

Periodontal Diseases May Impair Quality of Life

It’s no surprise that periodontal diseases negatively impact both systemic and oral health, but most studies fail to consider the additional effects on patients. To rectify this, a team of Swedish researchers devised a cross-sectional study to investigate the impact of periodontal diseases on quality of life. Their findings, “Impact of Periodontal Disease Experience on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life,” were published online by the Journal of Periodontology in late July.

The study included 443 subjects who completed the Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire to assess the social impact of their oral health problems. Participants also received clinical and radiographic examinations to evaluate the status of their periodontal health. They were then categorized into one of three groups: BL– (loss of supporting bone less than one-third of root length in less than 30% of the patient’s teeth); BL (loss of supporting bone tissue in more than one-third of root length in less than 30% of teeth); and BL+ (loss of supporting bone tissue in more than one-third of root length in more than 30% of teeth). The authors found that BL+ subjects experienced the greatest negative impacts, as their oral health impaired a wide range of physical, social, and psychological aspects of daily life.

The research highlights the need for prevention and early treatment of periodontal diseases in an effort to reduce bone loss, which, according to this study, has the greatest impact on quality of life. The authors suggest that future studies on this subject may help clinicians tailor treatment according to patient perception and needs.

Hygiene Connection E-Newsletter

September 2013