Comparison of periodontal indices, DMFT, xerostomia, hyposalivation and oral health-related quality of life in Sjögren's syndrome patients versus healthy individuals: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a common systemic autoimmune disease that affects oral health, and consequently oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) due to the involvement of exocrine glands.

OBJECTIVES

The present study aimed to evaluate the oral health-related quality of life and oral health indicators in patients with SS in comparison with healthy individuals.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In the case and control groups (45 patients and 45 healthy individuals), questions about demographic data, other systemic disorders, medications, the years of infection, xerostomia, as well as inquiries about the quality of life (Oral Health Impact Profile-14 - OHIP-14) were asked. The patients were evaluated clinically, and oral health indicators, including the plaque index (PI), the gingival index (GI), the sulcus bleeding index (SBI), and the number of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) were assessed on the Ramfjord teeth. Unstimulated saliva samples from both groups were obtained and weighed. The data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, v. 24.0. Quantitative variables were compared between the case and control groups with the use of the independent t test or their nonparametric equivalent (the Mann-Whitney test).

RESULTS

The comparison of the quantitative variables between the study groups showed a statistically significant difference in the OHRQoL scores (p = 0.037) and the unstimulated saliva flow rate (p = 0.002) between the case and control groups. Also, there was a statistically significant difference in the DMFT index between patients with primary and secondary SS in the case group (p = 0.048).

CONCLUSIONS

The lower OHRQoL of patients with SS requires more attention and follow-up to solve periodontal and dental problems in this group of patients.