Comparison of oral health-related quality of life among patients with osteoporosis and healthy individuals

Osteoporosis is the most common chronic metabolic bone disease associated with decreased bone mass and structural disorders. Complications of osteoporosis affect the quality of life by affecting the psychological and physical dimensions of life. Osteoporosis can affect the oral health of middle-aged and older people. This study compared the oral health-related quality of life (OHIP) in patients with osteoporosis with healthy individuals.

In this descriptive comparative study, demographic information and questions related to medication and years of being affected as well as xerostomia and oral health-related quality of life (OHIP-14) questionnaires were asked in case and control groups (each group including 70 people). Oral health indicators including gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), sulcus bleeding index (SBI), and DMFT were assessed on Ramfjord teeth of patients.

There was a statistically significant relationship between OHIP, PI, GI, SBI, DMFT, and xerostomia between the group with osteoporosis and healthy individuals (P<0.001). Quality of life in patients with osteoporosis was significantly lower than in healthy individuals (P<0.001).

The quality of life of people with osteoporosis is significantly lower than healthy ones. These patients need special knowledge and care to improve their oral health and special protocols in their treatment plan.