Periodontal treatment needs and systemic diseases in an older population in Greece

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the relationship between systemic diseases, body mass index and periodontal treatment needs in an older population in Greece. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 262 older people were clinically examined about their periodontal status and medical histories were recorded using a health history questionnaire. Additionally, weight and height measurements as well as demographic data were obtained from the participants in the study. RESULTS: Older people exhibited mean age of 63.98 years, weight of 78.76 kg and height of 1.64 m. The mean CPITN score was 2.84. 31.7% of the study population were smokers and 53.8% females. No statistically significant difference was observed in seniors between periodontal treatment needs and systemic diseases. Females exhibited statistically significant more often osteoporosis, thyroid disorders (p<0.001) and hypercholesterolemia (p=0.014) than males. High CPTIN scores were not associated with higher levels of BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitation of this study, older adults’ periodontal treatment needs are not associated significantly with a great number of systemic diseases and body mass index. Key words:Seniors, periodontitis, systemic diseases, body mass index (BMI), smoking, Greece.