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.