(PO-037) Patient Awareness of the Association Between Periodontitis and Systemic Diseases

Author: Will Carter, D.D.S Candidate 2022 – William Carter, DDS Candidate 2022, University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine
Author: Tamanna Tiwari, M.P.H., M.D.S., B.D.S. – Assistant Professor, Department of Community Dentistry & Population Health, DDS/MPH Program Director, University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine
Author: Satheesh Elangovan, B.D.S., D.Sc, D.M.Sc – Professor, Department of Periodontics, The University of Iowa College of Dentistry & Dental Clinics
Author: Lonnie Johnson, D.D.S., Ph.D. – Professor, Senior Associate Dean of Clinics and Professional Practice, University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine
Author: Sangeetha Chandrasekaran, B.D.S., M.S., M.S. – Associate Professor, University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine
Submitter: Will Carter, D.D.S Candidate 2022 – William Carter, DDS Candidate 2022, University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine

Objective: Periodontitis (PD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the tissue supporting the teeth that is initiated by oral microorganisms and results in tissue damage. PD has been increasingly associated with several systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease. The aim of this study is to gain understanding of patients’ awareness of the association between PD and other systemic diseases.

Methods: A survey consisting of 16 questions was developed to analyze patient awareness of the association between gum disease and other systemic diseases. All patients between 18 and 80 years of age were eligible to participate in this survey. Descriptive analysis, categorical variables were summarized with counts and percentages. Chi square tests were used to evaluate the differences in the categorical variables. A linear logistical regression model was used to assess the simultaneous, independent association between each variable.

Results: Data from 161 surveys were analyzed. Individuals reporting an awareness of PD symptoms was 64.2%. Of these patients, only 36.36% identified all the symptoms of PD. Individuals reporting an awareness of the association between PD and systemic disease was 48.7% for heart disease, 31.8% for diabetes, 15% for rheumatoid arthritis and 9.8% for Alzheimer’s. Patients who had higher frequency of dental visits and those with self-reported diabetes reported more awareness of an association between PD and diabetes. Older patients (51+ years of age) and males reported more awareness of the association between PD and heart disease.

Conclusion: This study provides insight that even with the vast amount of scientific knowledge on relationships that exist between PD and chronic systemic diseases, most patients are still unaware that these associations exist. This research identified that improvement of health literacy surrounding PD, its symptoms and its association with systemic diseases may be warranted.