Periodontal disease and some related factors in the Iranian population

Periodontal disease is a common inflammatory condition that affects supporting tissues surrounding teeth. Periodontal disease is a multifactorial disease and several risk factors such as dental plaque, smoking and diabetes are involved in this disease. Since early diagnosis of periodontitis is important in preventing progression and minimizing complications, this study is designed to evaluate periodontal disease of patients attending Semnan University of medical sciences dental clinic, Semnan, Iran.

In this cross sectional study, 212 patients with the age of 20 to 60 years old attending Semnan University of medical sciences dental clinic were visited using a WHO probe after filling out the consent form. Community periodontal index (CPI) and simplified oral hygiene index (s-OHI) were calculated for all the participants. Then a questionnaire was given to collect some extra information.

From 212 patients who participated in the study, 0.9% (2 patients) had healthy gingiva, 12.7% (28 patients) had bleeding on probing, 48.1% (102 patients) had calculus and pockets≤4mm, 18.9% (40 patients) had 4-5mm pocket and 19.3% (41 patients) had pockets ≥6mm. Results showed a significant association between severe periodontitis and diabetes with an odds ratio of 2.38 (OR=2.38, 95%CI:1.11- 5.13, p = 0.026) and also between periodontitis and s-OHI values with an odds ratio of 2.25 (OR=2.25, 95%CI: 1.35-3.74, p = 0.002). Other variables were not significantly associated with the periodontitis.

A high proportion of clients referred to the clinic had mild periodontitis and moderate oral hygiene. Poor oral hygiene and diabetes are both associated with the increased risk of developing periodontitis in Semnan. It is highly recommended to reinforce oral hygiene and oral health instruction in the society and more frequent dental visits especially about diabetic patients.