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Introduction: The quality of life related to oral health is
an important measure of the disease and the outcome of therapeutic
interventions. Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that is
associated with the general state of the patient's organism and
negatively affects the quality of life.
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of basic
periodontal therapy on the quality of life in elderly patients with
periodontitis.
Materials and methods: A total of 88 patients with periodontitis
were randomly assigned to the group (n=44) who underwent basic therapy,
while the control group (n=44) did not receive any treatment. The
protocol included filling out a questionnaire OHIP-14 prior to and one
month after the treatment, clinical examination and basic periodontal
therapy. Patients also filled up additional questions about the gingival
health as well as the impact of periodontal disease on the quality of
life.
Results: Clinical periodontal parameters did not show a
significant difference between the groups at the beginning of the study.
Improvement of all clinical parameters showing the periodontium state
and a significant difference between the investigated groups (p<0.05),
as well as in the treated group before and after treatment (p<0.001) was
noted at the checkup. Statistically significant changes (p<0.001) like
food impaction, avoiding the intake of certain foods, bad breath,
avoiding laughing, and the presence of an abscess were recorded mainly
in the treated group. Gingival health was rated "bad" or "very bad" with
42.73% of respondents. The impact of periodontitis on everyday
activities is expressed by a simple questionnaire. All patients who
answered "often" or "always" were considered to have the most common
problems associated with these activities.
Conclusion: The basic periodontal therapy has significantly
affected the quality of life in elderly patients with periodontitis.
Significant differences between the responses before and after treatment
were identified.
Key words:elderly
people, periodontitis, quality of life, OHIP
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