Evaluation of effects of periodontal diseases on social anxiety level

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the level of social anxiety in patients with periodontal disease, and to examine its relationship with the clinical characteristics of periodontal disease. Materials and Methods: This study investigated 200 patients in a cross-sectional design. Sociodemographic data, clinical periodontal parameters and patient complaints were recorded. Patients were divided into four groups according to their clinical periodontal index values: chronic periodontitis (CP), aggressive periodontitis (AP), gingivitis (G), and periodontally healthy (PH). Social anxiety levels of the patients were assessed based on the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS). Results: A negative relationship was observed between LSAS scores and age, a positive relationship was observed with education level (p < 0.05). The Liebowitz total score and total anxiety, socially related anxiety and total avoidance levels of patients with halitosis complaints were found significantly higher (p < 0.05). LSAS scores for patients with complaints of aesthetics and mobility were significantly higher for all seven sub-items (p < 0.05). Total avoidance and performance avoidance values were significantly higher in patients with complaints of gingival bleeding (p < 0.05). All of the LSAS scores were higher in the AP and CP groups compared to the PH group and higher in the AP group than in the CP and G groups (p < 0.05). In the G group, the performance-related avoidance level was significantly higher than in the PH group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Periodontal diseases may negatively affect the psychological and emotional states of dental patients.