Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Systemic illness may often impact dental health. Indeed, several studies have associated periodontitis with other systemic diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. Hence, it can be hypothesized that oral health may be an important indicator of systemic status, including respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). An irritation to a limit is acceptable by the immune response of our body, but when this crosses normal protective response, it leads to COPD causing lung injury. Aim of the study: To evaluate prevalence of periodontitis in patients with pulmonary disease. Materials and methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of Periodontics of the dental institutions. The ethical clearance for the study was approved from the ethical committee of the hospital. A total of 120 patients between age group of 12-70 years were selected from the outpatient department of pulmonary diseases. The data were collected by a single investigator using a questionnaire, and clinical examination was done to record the periodontal disease index (PDI) and periodontal index for risk of infectiousness (PIRI). Results: In our study group, 59 male patients and 41 female patients were included. We observed that most common pulmonary disease in males was COPD. On the contrary, most common pulmonary disorder in females was TB. Among the whole study group, the highest number of patients had tuberculosis, followed by COPD. The periodontal infectiousness score was high for 51 patients, moderate for 31 patients and low for 18 patients. The highest number of high risk patients had TB (n=21) and COPD (n=17). Conclusion: Within the limitations of the present study, it can be concluded that patients with pulmonary disorders are under high-risk category for periodontal diseases. Keywords: periodontitis, pulmonary disease, COPD, dental plaque