Understanding the feelings and experiences of patients with periodontal disease: a qualitative meta-synthesis

Abstract

Background Patients’ experiences, feelings, and perceptions play key roles in quality of life and dental care quality, but they are poorly understood in periodontal disease. Therefore, this meta-synthesis aimed to gain deep insights into the feelings, experiences, and perceptions of people living with periodontal disease. Methods Electronic database searches in PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Open AIRE were conducted up to December 2021 (updated in June 2022). The JBI Critical Appraisal Tool was used for quality assessment. Then reviewers integrated findings from qualitative studies with a thematic synthesis approach. Results A total of 567 studies were identified, of which eight involving 131 participants met the inclusion criteria. Studies were conducted between 2008 and 2021within Europe (Sweden and UK), Asia (Korea, Indonesia, and Singapore), and Oceania (New Zealand). Three analytical themes with nine descriptive themes emerged from the qualitative data. The themes were as follows: (1) “pressure (physical, psychosocial, and financial),” (2) “coping and adaptation (avoidance of the status quo, trying to understand it, and taking responsibility for their own),” (3) “reflection and evaluation (exploring the causes, personal control, and calling for better dental care).” Conclusions This review provides insights into how patients perceive and cope with periodontal disease. The findings highlighted patient-centered care in PD, and based on the findings, it is possible to provide more precise and efficient interventions for better patient compliance and treatment outcomes.

Associations of Urinary Total Arsenic and Arsenic Species and Periodontitis

“… 1 It can lead to the destruction of tooth-supporting tissues, resorption of the alveolar bone, and eventual tooth loss as well as masticatory dysfunction, all of which severely affect the nutrition, quality of life, and self-esteem of individuals. 2 In addition, periodontitis was reported to be associated with various chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other common systemic diseases. 3 Several risk factors are known to be associated with periodontitis, such as lifestyle (smoking, lack of oral hygiene) and dietary habits.…”

Application of adjunctive periodontal treatment modalities as part of non-surgical therapy of periodontitis

“…When untreated, periodontal disease leads to aesthetic and masticatory complications increasing the risk of tooth loss, affecting the patient's quality of life, and their self-esteem. Periodontitis is considered as a complex disease in which bacterial, environmental, and genetic components are involved (1)(2)(3)(4). Many local and systemic factors are related to the periodontal disease manifestation.…”