ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of distinct phases of a non-surgical periodontal treatment protocol on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). METHODS: Fifty-five participants (51.4 ± 9.4 years), diagnosed with both gingivitis and moderate-to-severe periodontitis, were included. Periodontal and OHRQoL (OHIP-14) data were collected before (Day 0) and after the supragingival (Day 30) and subgingival (Day 90) treatments. A linear mixed model was used. OHIP-14 scores, effect size, and ceiling and floor effects were calculated. RESULTS: The total OHIP-14 score was significantly higher at Day 0 (17.3 ± 10.5) compared to Day 30 (9.7 ± 8.3) and Day 90 (9.5 ± 7.4). Scores of all domains decreased significantly after the supragingival treatment. This response was maintained after the subgingival therapy, except in the physical pain and physical disability domains. Clinical variables were not associated with the change in OHIP scores. The effect size was 0.72 at Day 30 and 0.74 at Day 90. No ceiling and floor effect were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Perceptions on OHRQoL improved along periodontal therapy, particularly after the supragingival treatment, suggesting that this intervention might be considered important to reduce the negative impacts in oral health-related quality of life.
