Pattern of Periodontal diseases in Hospitalized Patients with Non-Tubercular Respiratory diseases

Abstract

Background: Robust evidence has shown association of periodontal diseases with various systemic diseases including respiratory diseases. Dental plaque, the prime etiological factor for periodontal diseases can also act as reservoir for pulmonary pathogens, which on aspiration can result in diversified respiratory infections. Aims and Objectives: Assessment of pattern of periodontal status in hospitalized patients with non-tubercular respiratory infections. Methods: 100 cases(hospitalized non-tubercular patients) and 100 age and sex matched controls (systemically healthy patients) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Periodontal clinical parameters Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), Pocket probing depth (PPD), Clinical Attachment Level (CAL) were used. Modified Kuppuswamy’s socioeconomic scale was utilized for assessing the education, occupation and monthly family income. For statistical comparison, Student t test and X2 tests were used. Results: Demographic data based on age, sex, education, occupation and monthly family income showed no statistically significant findings between the groups. Hospitalized patients with non-tubercular respiratory diseases had more severe periodontal diseases (PPD & CAL) with poor oral hygiene (greater PI) although GI was low compared to the controls. In addition, lower income patients were at greater risk of having periodontal infections than higher income group patients. Conclusions: The results of the present case control study showed higher prevalence of periodontal infections in hospitalized non-tubercular respiratory disease patients suggesting an association between periodontal and respiratory disease.