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Dental Health in People Living with Epilepsy
Lakshmi Priya1, Jithin George1, Thania E Pidiyencheril2
1Senior Resident, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India
|June 24, 2025
Summary
People with epilepsy (PWE) often neglect dental issues. This study found PWE have significantly higher rates of dental illness, including soft tissue abnormalities and periodontal disease, highlighting a need for better oral healthcare.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Dentistry
- Public Health
Background:
- Epilepsy management often overlooks associated dental conditions.
- Dental issues in people with epilepsy (PWE) are frequently undiagnosed and untreated.
- This study investigates the prevalence and characteristics of dental illness in PWE.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the prevalence and types of dental illness in people with epilepsy (PWE).
- To compare dental health status between PWE and a control group.
- To identify factors associated with dental illness in PWE.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, single-center, case-control study.
- Involved surveys on demographics, dental hygiene, and symptoms, followed by dental examinations.
- Independent t-test used for statistical comparison between PWE and controls.
Main Results:
- 67/69 PWE had dental illness compared to 19/33 controls.
- PWE showed higher rates of asymptomatic soft tissue abnormalities (24% vs 0%) and periodontal disease (13% vs 7.4%).
- Symptomatic PWE exhibited significantly more hard tissue abnormalities (66% vs 33%), periodontal disease (48% vs 0%), and poor hygiene (83% vs 33%) than controls.
Conclusions:
- Dental illness represents a significant, often overlooked, health burden in PWE.
- Addressing dental issues is crucial for improving the overall quality of life for individuals with epilepsy.
- Integrated oral healthcare strategies are needed for PWE.
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