Association between chronic periodontitis and oral health-related quality of life in Sri Lankan adults.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of chronic periodontitis on oral health-related quality of life in Sri Lankan adults.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,400 participants, 35-60 years of age, residing in the Colombo district of Sri Lanka. Data were collected using two interviewer-administered questionnaires and an oral examination.

RESULTS

The prevalence, extent and severity of oral impacts increased with the increase in severity of chronic periodontitis. The most commonly experienced impacts were within the domain of physical pain. The adjusted Poisson regression model indicated that chronic periodontitis was significantly associated with the prevalence of oral impacts. The prevalence of oral impacts was 48% and 69% higher in those with moderate and severe periodontitis, respectively, compared with those with no/mild periodontitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral health-related quality of life deteriorates with the increase in severity of chronic periodontitis.