Assessment of Periodontal Status in Patients with Oral Lesions - A Retrospective Study in South Indian Population

Abstract

Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) are defined as the risk of malignancy being present in a lesion or condition either at the time of initial diagnosis or at a future date. They have the potential to undergo malignant transformation.Some of the potentially malignant disorders that are related to oral squamous cell carcinoma are Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), Leukoplakia, Erythroplakia, & Lichen Planus. There is a dual relationship between Oral carcinoma and periodontitis.Oral lesions may have an indirect effect on initiating periodontitis. Periodontitis can be considered as one of the risk factors for the development of oral cancer. The aim of the study is to assess the periodontal status of patients who are diagnosed with oral lesions in Saveetha Institute of Medical & Technical Sciences (SIMATS). This is a retrospective study, carried out by analysis of the patient records from June 2019 to March 2020 were assessed. Parameters assessed were -Age, Sex, Systemic status, Periodontal parameters (Periodontal probing depth -PPD, Loss of Attachment -LOA, Bleeding on Probing -BOP), periodontal status (Healthy gingiva, Gingivits, Periodontitis) & Severity of periodontitis (Mild, moderate & severe). Data was analysed using SPSS version 23.0. Chi square test was done to compare the differences in proportion. A total of 192 subjects were included in the study. 93 patients (48.4%) were diagnosed with OSMF, whereas 99 patients (51.6%) were diagnosed with Leukoplakia. Males constituted 93.75% of the study population and females constituted 6.25% of the study population. Age group of the study population ranged from 20 years to 80 years. Mean age of the study population is 42.25 years. 51.04% of the patients were diagnosed with gingivitis, 43.23% of the patients were diagnosed with periodontitis & 5.73% of the patients had healthy gingiva. Chi square test results showed statistically significant association between oral lesions and habits, with a p value of 0.000. Leukoplakia was found to be more prevalent among smokers & OSMF was found to be more prevalent among patients who had the habit of chewing Areca nut, Hans, Mawa and Pan. However, there was no statistically significant difference between oral lesions based on periodontal status & severity of periodontitis.Oral lesions can be considered as an attributing factor for development of periodontitis.