Periodontal Status among Patients with and Without Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Numerous studies show a strong link between oral and systemic health. Oral pathogens and periodontal inflammation may contribute to systemic inflammation, increasing the risk of chronic diseases such as COPD. This study aims to provide evidence that supports integrated prevention and treatment approaches, emphasizing bidirectional relationship between oral health and COPD.

A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at Outpatient Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Critical Care, Chitwan Medical College, from October 2023 to March 2025. Ninety-seven COPD patients and 97 age-matched non-COPD caregivers fulfilling inclusion criterias were evaluated for periodontal status using various indices including oral hygiene index-simplified (OHI-S), gingival bleeding index (GBI), and periodontal index for risk of infectiousness (PIRI). Periodontal parameters, including probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL), were also assessed. A non-probability consecutive sampling technique was applied. Data were analysed in SPSS version 27.0.

The mean scores of OHI-S (1.9 ± 0.7 vs. 2.8 ± 0.89), GBI (20.03 ± 10.19 vs. 33.1 ± 16.2), PIRI (2.1 ± 1.9 vs. 6.2 ± 2.7), PPD (4.4 ± 2.6 vs. 7.6 ± 1.3), and CAL (2.3 ± 1.0 vs. 4.5 ± 1.1) for non-COPD and COPD groups, respectively, demonstrate that non-COPD participants had significantly better periodontal health compared to those with COPD (P value<0.001).

Patients with COPD showed poorer oral hygiene status, more gingival bleeding, and weaker periodontal health than those without COPD. Thus, it is crucial to emphasize on proper oral hygiene practices to prevent oral and periodontal diseases in these patients.