Association between asthma and chronic periodontitis: a clinical study

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to assess periodontal status of asthmatic patients and to find out association between asthma and chronic periodontitis. A total of 100 subjects were recruited for the study. The control group [n=50] included non-asthmatic subjects and patients suffering from asthma were included in test group [n=50]. The test group was further divided in to Group Tl [Mild asthmatic subjects] and Group T2 [Moderate to severe asthmatic subjects]. Clinical parameters i.e plaque index, calculus index, gingival index, clinical attachment level and papillary bleeding index of all the selected subjects were recorded. Unpaired t test and one sample t test were performed for group comparisons. Comparison of test group and control group yielded statistically significant differences [P=0.0001]. Mean difference of0.417 +/- 0.122, 0.602 +/- 0.249 and 0.926 +/- 0.195 was recorded in PI, CI and GI respectively. Statistically significant difference of2.096 +/- 0.486mm in CAL among two groups was recorded. Mean difference of 0.660 +/- 0.117 was observed in FBI. It was observed that with increase in severity of asthma, periodontal destruction also increased. From the results it can be concluded that asthma and chronic periodontitis are associated with each other. But future studies with larger sample size, confounder analysis and longitudinal follow ups will be necessary to explore the link between these two diseases