A cross-sectional study assessing the relation between stress and chronic periodontitis in state transport employees in the city of Pune

Abstract

Background and Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the association between Stress and Chronic Periodontitis in the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) workers in Pune city, in the State of Maharashtra, India. Study Design: In this cross-sectional study, 1014 PMPML workers were examined for periodontal parameters and were given questionnaires to fill. The workers were broadly categorized as bus drivers (Group I), bus conductors (Group II), and office bearers/workers (Group III). Subjects and Methods: The clinical parameters such as the plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth, gingival recession, and clinical attachment levels (CALs) were recorded. Stress was measured by using the occupational stress index. Results: The average PI, GI, probing depth(PD), gingival recession, CAL and stress score was significantly higher among bus drivers (Group I) and bus conductors (Group II) when compared to office bearers/workers (Group III), but did not differ significantly between bus drivers (Group I) and bus conductors (Group II). None of the periodontal parameters correlated significantly with stress levels in the group of office bearers/workers (Group III), whereas all periodontal parameters positively and significantly correlated with stress levels in bus drivers (Group I) and bus conductors (Group II). Conclusion: Stress can be a risk factor for chronic periodontitis because stress alters the immunity of an individual. Furthermore, the person's behavioral changes lead to altered oral hygiene habits, thus causing the accumulation of plaque. Hence, if good oral hygiene is combined with regular periodontal check-ups, it can drastically reduce the effects of stress on the periodontium.