Changes in Masticatory Performance and Quality of Life in Individuals With Chronic Periodontitis

• Published in: Journal of periodontology (1970) Vol. 84; no. 3; pp. 325 - 331
• Main Authors: Borges, Tânia de Freitas, Regalo, Simone C., Taba, Mário, Siéssere, Selma, Mestriner, Wilson, Semprini, Marisa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Academy of Periodontology 01-03-2013
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Alveolar bone loss; Alveolar Bone Loss - physiopathology; bone resorption; Chronic Periodontitis - physiopathology; Chronic Periodontitis - psychology; Confidence Intervals; Dentistry; Female; Humans; Male; Mastication; Middle Aged; periodontal diseases; Quality of Life; Sickness Impact Profile; Statistics, Nonparametric; Surveys and Questionnaires; Tooth Mobility - physiopathology; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0022-3492; 1943-3670
• DOI: 10.1902/jop.2012.120069

Background: This study evaluates the effect of periodontitis on masticatory performance and quality of life index.
Methods: Patients (n = 24; 23 to 76 years of age) with periodontal conditions ranging from healthy to generalized disease categorized by the alveolar bone height–to–tooth length (AB/T) ratio were separated into the following two groups: control (AB/T >50%) and test (AB/T <50%). The masticatory performance was evaluated through continuous mastication of a special device called a biocapsule. The Brazilian Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14Br) questionnaire was used to assess the oral health–related quality of life. The Student t test was applied for independent samples (P <0.05) to evaluate the masticatory performance, and the Mann‐Whitney U test was used to determine quality of life (P <0.05)
Results: There was a statistically significant difference in masticatory efficiency between groups (P = 0.006). Statistically significant differences were also observed in the following parameters: 1) physical pain (P = 0.003); 2) psychologic discomfort (P = 0.008); 3) physical disability (P = 0.033); and 4) OHIP‐14Br total score (P = 0.001). The control group achieved the best indicators. Both the masticatory performance and quality of life indicators showed significant correlation with the alveolar bone height.
Conclusion: The loss of periodontal supporting structures has negative effects on the masticatory performance and quality of life.