Effect of socioeconomic status on periodontal health of a population in Mangalore.

ABSTRACT

Background: The presence of plaque microorganisms, along with immunological and genetic factors plays a major role in the etiology of periodontal disease. Studies have shown that tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity are possible risk factors for periodontal disease. Improved lifestyle is gaining tremendous importance with reference to maintenance of periodontal health.Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of socioeconomic status on the periodontal health. Method: 606 subjects were randomly selected. The socioeconomic status of the selected was obtained by using a questionnaire followed by clinical recordings of bleeding on probing, calculus and periodontal pockets using CPI. Results were calculated using Pearson's chi-square test. Conclusion: A strong association of occupation, education level, income and smoking with periodontal diseases was found from the results of the present study.