Periodontal and Systemic diseases: Prevalence and Interrelationship

Objectives: This study was undertaken to determine prevalence of periodontitis and to examine the relationship between periodontal and systemic diseases in a Saudi population.

Materials and methods: Dental records of all patients ≥ 18 years of age who were admitted to King Abdulaziz University, faculty of dentistry during the year 2005 were selected (n=4110). Age, gender, nationality and medical history were abstracted from these records. Periodontitis was determined by one calibrated examiner who recorded the number of remaining teeth and the number of sites with 20% or more of radiographic bone loss. Descriptive statistics, t-test and chi-square were used for data analyses.

Results: About 20% of the study sample reported a positive history for one or more medical condition. Diabetes was the most frequently reported condition (7.5%), followed by hypertension (5.4%) and anemia (3%). About 22% of the sample had generalized radiographic alveolar bone loss. The mean number of sites with alveolar bone loss was higher among individuals with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and asthma than those without these conditions (p<0.05).

Conclusions: Prevalence of periodontitis is high in Saudi Arabia especially among those with chronic medical conditions. Collaboration between dental and medical professionals is needed for better oral and general health.