A cross-sectional study of the relationship between respiratory disease and periodontal disease in hospitalized patients

Abstract

Background: Periodontal infection has been linked to the worsening of systemic disorders, including lung disease, according to new research. Aspiration of microorganisms from the oropharynx into the lower respiratory tract is involved in respiratory infections such as pneumonia and the worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Methods: The study included 100 cases (hospitalised patients with respiratory disease) and 100 age-, sex-, and race-matched outpatient controls (systemically healthy people from the outpatient clinic of the Department of Periodontics, Maharishi Markandashwer University, Ambala, India). The gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), and simplified oral hygiene index were among the standardized oral health metrics that were used and compared (OHI). At four places per tooth, data on probing depths and clinical attachment levels (CALs) were collected and statistically compared. For statistical analysis, the x2 and Student t tests were utilized. Results: There were no significant variations between groups when study-population demographics were compared on the basis of age, sex, education, and income. When compared to controls, patients with respiratory disease had significantly worse periodontal health (OHI and PI), gingival inflammation (GI), larger pockets, and CALs. Patients with a low income were 4.4 times more likely than those with a high income to have periodontal disease in the case group. When compared to non-smokers in the control group, smokers had considerably greater CALs. Conclusion: The current study's findings point to a link between respiratory and periodontal disease.