Oral Health Status In Hospitalized Patients a cross sectional study

The present study was designed with the aim to determine oral health status of hospitalized patients, to assess oral symptoms and to ascertain percentage of oral lesions/symptoms noticed and treated by the attending physician. The study was conducted on 300 patients admitted in a medical college. All patients were interviewed for presence of oral symptoms using a structured questionnaire. Systematic oral examination was conducted focusing on presence/absence of oral mucosal lesions, caries and periodontal status of the patient. Oral lesions/symptoms noticed and treated, by the attending physician/surgeon were recorded. The results showed that 49% of hospitalized patients had one or more oral symptoms and at least one symptom was present in every hospitalized patient. About 43.3% of patients showed the presence of one or more oral mucosal lesions and one out of every 2 hospitalized patients showed presence of oral mucosal lesions. In the present study it was found that 70.3% patients had experience of dental caries and the mean DMFT score was 6.18. Thirty-nine percent of the patients were suffering from gingivitis whereas 52% patients had periodontitis. To provide proper health care, dental professionals should work closely with the rest of the health care team to detect and treat co existing oral diseases, to ensure patient’s oral comfort during his hospital stay, to negate the impact of oral heath on poor nutritional status and delayed recovery & to prevent any systemic complications. Keyword: Oral Health, hospitalized patients, oral lesions, Systematic oral examination .