Chrono Dentistry and the association between shift work and oral health in a representative sample population: An Internet survey

Abstract

Background: Most physiological processes in mammals display circadian rhythms that are driven by the endogenous circadian clock. Disruptions of the circadian clock have been associated with nearly every major human disease. With that as the central idea, this study attempted to see the variations in the form and function of the oral cavity with respect to the circadian cycle by comparing the oral health problems of daytime-only workers with those who worked night shifts. Aims: To study the relationship between the circadian clock and oral diseases by comparing the oral health problems and lifestyle of daytime-only and night shift workers. Methods and Material: A pre-validated questionnaire containing 12 close-ended questions was circulated among 40 night and 40 day shift workers. Appropriate statistical analysis was carried out. Results: Increased incidence of extractions and decay was found in night shift workers. Of all, 65% of the day shift workers had lost a few of their teeth to decay and extractions while the same was found in 70% of the night shift workers. Pain in teeth was also found to be prevalent in night shift workers with 80% of the participants claiming that they experienced pain in their teeth while 60% of the day shift workers experienced such pain. 90% of the participants claimed to be non-smokers in the day shift work. In the night shift, 52.5% of participants were current smokers. Smoking was prevalent among night shift workers. Conclusions: The results of this study show a clear relationship between night shift work and oral health problems. Hence, stronger measures to provide oral health maintenance support for night shift workers are needed.