Assessment of dental health in patients requiring general anesthesia – An observational study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: Anesthesiologists frequently work with the oral cavity, but may lack in-depth knowledge of oral health, including anatomy, symptoms, and dental prostheses. Materials and Methods: An oral health questionnaire was developed for preanesthesia checkups to facilitate the process. A prospective observational study was conducted over a period of 18 months, which included 200 patients of different genders, aged 10 years or older, and with a physical status ranging from ASA 1 to ASA 3, who were scheduled for elective surgery. The data was collected, compiled, and analyzed using Epi Info (version 7.2). Results: The study included subjects with a mean age of 41.65 ± 11.85 years, with most falling in the age range of 40-50 years. Of all the participants, around 58% were male. The study discovered a significant relationship between addiction habits and oral health problems such as bad breath, missing teeth, gum bleeding or pain on chewing, and loose teeth. It was found that those who used pan and tobacco had visited a dentist the most. Additionally, the use of certain drugs was associated with gum bleeding, pain on chewing, and loose teeth. Patients with systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cancer, and liver diseases also reported poor oral health. Conclusion: The study revealed that the Indian population tends to visit dentists only when experiencing pain or seeking treatment rather than for preventive care.