A cross-sectional study on effect of non-communicable diseases on prevalent oral health conditions

Abstract

Background: Non communicable diseases (NCDs) are defined as diseases of long duration, generally progress slowly and are the major cause of adult mortality and morbidity worldwide. NCDs mainly lead by four diseases which include: cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus (DM), cancers and chronic respiratory diseases. Poor oral health reflects the general health, and several oral diseases are related to chronic diseases. The aim and objectives was to find casual association between NCDs with oral disease and further aims to provide evidence to health care providers regarding the significance of oral health while treating the patients for NCDs.Methods: The present cross sectional study was conducted to examine the oral health status of patients with NCD reporting to Dental OPD of Government Dental College and Hospital, Srinagar.  This hospital based study done through a convenience sampling technique, using a questionnaire and oral examination. A self-administered questionnaire was written in English language and was also translated in local language, first part of questionnaire was used to collect the demographic details, second part was designed regarding the medication history, oral habits such as smoking and consumption of betel nuts, medical history and earlier visit to dentist, cleaning of teeth, significance of dental health and its effect on general health and the third part of questionnaire was completely based on dental examination. The data was entered manually on Microsoft excel and then analyzed on statistical package SPSS version 20. Associations between different variables were assessed through application of χ2. The Data was analyzed using SPSS Statistics 20.0.Results: The present study was established with a sample of 300 participants. Male to female ratio was 2:3. Mean age of the participants was 46.6 years. It was observed that out of the total patients who visited the dentist, 42% (n=126) suffered from some chronic disease. 61% (n=183) were oblivious of the importance of dental health. When inquired if oral health affects general health 58.6% (n= 176) acknowledged its importance. 59 participants who lost more than three teeth who had chronic disease, 58.6% (n=176) respondents presented with bleeding gums, 66.3% (n=199) with food deposition, 52% (n=158) had halitosis, 26% (n= 78) had oral ulceration, 22.3% (n=67).Conclusions: It was concluded from this study that majority of participants with chronic diseases had poor oral health which requires immediate attention from the medical practitioners as well as dentists should counsel patients for maintenance and promotion of oral health.