Effect of initial periodontal therapy on oral health-related quality of life in patients with periodontitis in Japan.

TLDR: Conventional non-surgical periodontal therapy has a potential to ameliorate patient perceptions of oral health and the impact that periodontitis and treatment have on self-assessed quality of life (QoL).

Abstract: Background: It is becoming increasingly important for periodontists and dental hygienists to take a biopsychosocial approach to care when considering periodontal interventions. However, information on how patients perceive periodontitis and its treatment is limited. The purpose of the present study is to gain insight into the patient perception of oral health and the impact that periodontitis and treatment have on self-assessed quality of life (QoL).Methods: This was a prospective, two-center, clinical study in Japan. Patients with periodontitis were assessed for their perceptions of oral health by using an instrument for oral health–related QoL (OHRQL) before and after initial periodontal therapy.Results: A total of 58 patients (mean age: 53.6 years; 23 male and 35 female) participated in the study and completed initial periodontal therapy. At baseline, 97% of the patients perceived that their oral health status impacted on their QoL in one or more ways. Pain, eating and chewing, and psychologic function...