Prevalence of Periodontal Disease in a Hospitalized Population

Abstract

This study was designed to measure the prevalence of periodontal disease in a hospitalized population and to determine whether persons with confirmed diagnoses of specific diseases demonstrate a greater prevalence of periodontal disease than those who are in relatively good health. EXPERIMENTAL METHODSDescription of sample.-The sample studied was drawn from patients who were hospitalized at the Veterans Administration Hospital, Brooklyn, New York. Veterans comprised a large proportion of the total male population, but eligibility for hospitalization depended upon whether or not disabilities were incurred during military service or low economic status. Every patient admitted to the hospital received a complete physical examination, chest X-ray, urinalysis, and blood count as a very minimum; most patients received even more extensive examination. The oral examination was completed by the Dental Service as an integral part of the physical examination.From July 1, 1957, through December 31, 1958, a total of 9,241 patients was admitted to the hospital, of which 7,325 were seen by a staff dentist. Patients who were not seen by a dentist were those who were seriously ill throughout their hospital stay, those admitted for contagious diseases, those hospitalized for a few days, and those discharged unexpectedly or against medical advice. Complete oral examination in the dental clinic, including a full-mouth series of radiograms, was provided for 4,832 patients, and these comprised the sample under study. Of this number, 838 were edentulous, leaving 3,994 who had one or more teeth present in their mouths and were potentially susceptible to periodontal disease. There was no statistical breakdown for sex or race, since more than 90 per cent of all admissions to the hospital and of all patients examined were white males and less than 0.5 per cent were females.

Alcohol Consumption Increases Periodontitis Risk

“…The numbers of cases among those reporting recent alcohol intake of 0.1-4.9 g/day were 550; 5.0-14.9 g/day, 562; 15-29.9 g/day, 276; for > 30 g/day, 288; and for non-drinkers, 449. intake and periodontitis. Early studies observed increased prevalence and severity of periodontal disease among patients with cirrhosis (Sandler and Stahl, 1960;Movin, 1981), and attributed this to poor oral hygiene (Movin, 1981). Other studies reported worse periodontal conditions in alcoholic patients with and without cirrhosis than in healthy subjects (Dunkley and Carson, 1968;Novacek et al, 1995) and in nonalcoholic patients with cirrhosis (Novacek et al, 1995).…”

Effect of experimental diabetes on mandible growth in rats

“…One well‐known effect associated with diabetes is gingival inflammation (38,39). Neither gingival inflammation, nor macroscopic alterations of oral mucosa were observed in this study.…”

The Effect of Intensive Oral Hygiene Care on Gingivitis and Periodontal Destruction in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

“…The American Society of Diabetes defined periodontal disease as the sixth complication of diabetes in 1997;1,2 Diabetes raises the risks of developing periodontal disease and affects its severity 3,4. Individuals with diabetes tend to have higher values for indices of plaque, dental calculus, and gingival inflammation, and deeper periodontal pockets 5.…”