Oral health-related quality of life in elderly and young patients with periodontal diseases

Objective: Due to the increase in the prevalence of periodontal diseases, quality of life decreases with aging. The purpose of this study was to investigate the quality of life and periodontal disease in young adults and elderly individuals. Materials and Method: A total of 104 individuals, including 52 elderly patients with periodontal disease (Test group; 37 with gingivitis and 15 with periodontitis) (mean age 67.56 ± 3.12) and 52 young adult patients with periodontal disease (Control group; 37 with gingivitis and 15 with periodontitis) (mean age 27.88 ± 6.59), were included in the study. The patients’ quality of life was determined by the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire. Clinical periodontal parameters (gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and probing pocket depth (PPD)) were used in the evaluation. Results: In periodontitis, there was no difference in total OHIP scores between the groups (p>0.05), whereas, in gingivitis, OHIP scores were higher in elderly patients (p<0.05). While GI was significantly higher in elderly patients, PPD and CAL were significantly higher in young adult patients with periodontitis (p<0.05). OHIP sub-groups’ scores for "physical pain, psychological discomfort, and psychological disability" were significantly higher in elderly patients (p<0.05). Conclusion: Oral health-related quality of life was significantly lower in elderly patients with periodontal disease. While gingivitis had a significantly higher effect on the quality of life in elderly patients compared to younger patients, it was observed that there was no difference in both age groups in the presence of periodontitis. Improving oral health with atraumatic and effective treatment applications at early ages can prevent periodontal problems that may occur in advanced ages and increase the quality of life.