Evaluation of impact the severity of chronic periodontal disease on quality of life of patients admitted to periodontology department

Periodontitis is a common disease and could produce impacts on individual's oral health-related quality of life. Chronic periodontitis is defined as an inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues of the teeth caused by groups of specific microorganisms, resulting in progressive destruction of the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone with pocket formation, recession or both. The severity of periodontal disease is usually documented by clinicians using clinical parameters such as bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level. However, other symptoms of periodontal disease include the consequences of chronic inflammation and the destruction of tooth-supporting tissues, such as redness, bleeding on brushing, loosening of affected teeth, and halitosis. These symptoms are not normally documented in research reports. Such symptoms, however, are highly relevant from the patients' perspective and often have a considerable adverse impact on their daily quality of life. Chronic periodontitis has been reported to be asymptomatic in the early stages. In its more advanced stages, chronic periodontitis can be associated with signs and symptoms that are perceivable by individuals, such as tooth mobility, pain, eating difficulties, loss of esthetic. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of the severity of periodontal disease on quality of life of patient who diagnosed with chronic periodontitis. Total 166 patients, 94 men and 72 women, between 18-65 years old who admitted to periodontology department were involved to the study. Patients underwent clinical examination of all standing teeth (except third molar), including probing depth, clinical attachment level, full mouth plaque score, full mouth bleeding score, DMF scores. İn accordance with findings from periodontal examination, participants were classified as having mild periodontitis (CAL=1-2 mm, n=55), moderate periodontitis (CAL=3-4 viii mm, n=56) or severe periodontitis (CAL≥5 mm, n=55). Then patient were asked to answer Turkish version of Oral Health Impact Scale-14 (OHIP-14 TR), patient identification form which includes information about toothbrushing frequency, interproximal cleaning, dental visit frequency, smoking habits and a list of self-reported periodontal symtomps. Patients were informed about their oral health status and causes of periodontal disease, instruction on proper oral hygiene techniques were given and Phase I periodontal treatment performed. According to results, the scores of total and all subgroups of OHIP-14 of severe periodontitis group were significantly higher than mild and moderate periodontitis group (p<0,05). Severe periodontitis was more prevalent among participants with low education level and low income and there is a statistically significant difference between the groups (p<0,05). OHIP-14 scores were significantly associated with self-reported periodontal symptoms which are bleeding gums, swollen gums, sore gums, mobility, bad breath, drifting tooth regardless of groups (p<0,05). Experiences of these symptoms were associated with increased impact. This study demonstrates a significant association between oral health-related quality of life and periodontal disease. Periodontal disease severity was inversely associated with quality of life. Severe periodontitis had significant adverse impacts on speech, eating, psychology and social life.