Risk factors of periodontitis - a case control study

Background: Periodontitis is related with certain systemic conditions as well as with some intra oral local factors including patients’ oral practices and habits. Objective: To review the evidence on the potential roles of modifiable and non modifiable risk factors associated with periodontitis. Methods: A Case control Study was conducted on group of randomly selected patients coming at General Pathology Department, Institute associated with dental college in western India. Clinically diagnosed dental patients having periodontitis were considered as study population. Results: All the patients had presented with the dental problem, of them patients having periodontitis were identified. The diagnosis was based on clinical findings and periodontitis (case) was considered if periodontal pocket depth index score was 2 – 8, and no periodontitis if score was ‘0 - 1’. A total of 200 respondents (ranging from 27 – 80 years) were randomly selected from the hospital patients for interview and investigation for periodontal diseases. Data analysis revealed significant association between the age patients, Diabetes mellitus, betel and tobacco chewing habit, tooth cleansing methods and devices, presence of tooth pricking habits with the development of periodontitis. Conclusion: By delivering the proper and timely health related information raising the awareness level regarding this detrimental disease the overall health status among the population can be improved.