Periodontitis and Quality of Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Oral Health Research

Background:

• Periodontitis, a prevalent oral infection, may affect individuals' quality of life.
• Understanding the association between periodontitis severity and quality of life is crucial for public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze population-based evidence on periodontitis and its impact on quality of life.
• To differentiate the effects of severe versus moderate periodontitis on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and general quality of life (QoL).

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based studies adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
• Searched Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Scopus for studies on adults (≥18 years) with representative sampling.
• Assessed OHRQoL and general QoL using validated instruments; employed random-effects meta-analyses and risk of bias assessments.

Main Results:

• Severe periodontitis consistently linked to poorer OHRQoL (SMD 0.29, OR 1.58).
• OHIP-14 scores were higher in severe periodontitis cases (mean difference 2.51).
• Associations for moderate periodontitis were less consistent and weaker.

Conclusions:

• Severe periodontitis is strongly associated with diminished OHRQoL in population-based studies.
• The impact of moderate periodontitis on quality of life is less certain and warrants cautious interpretation.
• Advanced periodontitis is the primary driver of the population-level quality-of-life burden.