PREVALENCE OF ORAL HEALTH ISSUES AND THEIR LINK TO SEVERE CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD)

Abstract

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, is characterized by chronic inflammation and airflow limitation. Emerging evidence highlights a strong association between poor oral health, including periodontal disease, tooth loss, and xerostomia, and the worsening of COPD symptoms. These oral health issues contribute to systemic inflammation, exacerbate respiratory symptoms, and increase the frequency of hospitalizations. Integrating oral health into COPD management is essential for improving patient outcomes and reducing disease burden.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of oral health issues in COPD patients and examine their relationship with disease severity and treatment outcomes.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 100 participants recruited from oral health centers and respiratory clinics. The sample was divided into a COPD group and a control group, with spirometry-confirmed diagnoses for COPD inclusion. Oral health status was assessed using periodontal disease markers, tooth loss, and the Plaque Index (PI). Respiratory function was measured using FEV₁ and the frequency of exacerbations. Statistical analyses included univariate and multivariate regression models, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and paired t-tests to examine associations between dental and respiratory health. A significance threshold of p < 0.05 was applied to all analyses.

Results: Periodontal disease prevalence was significantly higher in the COPD group (65% vs. 35%, p < 0.01). COPD patients had fewer teeth (18 vs. 24, p < 0.01), higher PI scores (2.8 ± 0.5 vs. 1.5 ± 0.4, p < 0.01), and more frequent exacerbations (3.5 vs. 1.2 per year, p < 0.01). A significant inverse correlation was found between FEV₁ and periodontal disease severity (r = -0.42, p < 0.05). Ex-smokers with COPD showed a positive association between tooth loss and hospitalization frequency.

Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that poor oral health is a significant predictor of COPD severity and exacerbations. Incorporating regular dental care into COPD management is crucial to mitigating systemic inflammation, reducing exacerbation frequency, and improving overall outcomes. Further research should focus on the mechanisms linking oral infections to pulmonary health.