Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the manifestation of periodontal disease among Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) patients from Kolar district of Karnataka. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study comprising of patients diagnosed with HNC were examined. Periodontal examination included Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), Clinical Attachment Level (CAL) and Decayed Missed Filled Tooth index (DMFT). Age at diagnosis, gender, site, clinical features, type, stage and treatment of tumour were recorded based on their medical records. A descriptive statistics and inference analysis was carried out using SPSS software version22. Results: Among the 64 patients examined, there were 26 Males and 38 Females. Median age at diagnosis of tumour was 45yrs. HNC patients presented with early to moderate periodontitis in 65.62% and 31.25% showed signs of advanced periodontitis. Missing teeth was observed in 69% of patients. However in Stage IV cancer patients moderate to advanced CAL was observed in 68.75% of patients. Conclusion: Periodontal disease is prevalent in this population of head & neck cancer with a definitive need for better dental health awareness. Generalized chronic periodontitis, low socioeconomic status, missing tooth and women from Kolar district when manifested together have shown to be strong risk factors for HNC. Further implementation of good oral hygiene practices may prove to be protective against HNC but the extent of risk reduction needs to be explored.