Severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is associated with reduced oral health conditions

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the association of explicitly severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with oral conditions considering in-depth shared risk factors. Methods: A case–control study was conducted with 104 participants, 52 with severe COPD and 52 matched controls without COPD. Dental and periodontal status were clinically assessed and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) by OHIP-G14-questionnaire. Results: Between COPD- and control-group, there were no statistically significant differences regarding age (66.02 ± 7.30), sex (female: 52 [50%]), smoking history (44.69 ± 23.23 pack years) and number of systemic diseases (2.60 ± 1.38). COPD patients demonstrated significantly fewer remaining teeth (12.58 ± 9.67 vs. 18.85 ± 6.24, p < 0.001) besides higher DMFT (decayed, missing and filled teeth) index (21.12 ± 5.83 vs. 19.10 ± 3.91, p = 0.036). They had significantly greater probing pocket depths (PPD: 3.24 mm ± 0.71 mm vs. 2.7 mm ± 0.37 mm, p < 0.001) and bleeding on probing (BOP: 34.52% ± 22.03% vs. 22.85% ± 17.94%, p = 0.003) compared to controls, but showed no significant difference in clinical attachment level or staging of periodontitis. The OHIP-G14 sum score was significantly higher in COPD patients (7.40 ± 7.28 vs. 3.63 ± 4.85, p = 0.002). Common risk factors such as educational status, physical activity, dentist visit frequency, oral hygiene regimens and dietary habits were less favourable in patients with COPD. Conclusions: COPD was significantly associated with higher tooth loss, PPD, BOP and DMFT besides lower OHRQoL.