Periodontitis and Associated Factors Among Dental Outpatients at Tertiary Hospitals in Dhaka

In 227 dental outpatients at three tertiary hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh, about 55% had periodontitis, with diabetes and tobacco use strongly linked to higher odds.

• Why it matters: Periodontitis burden in dental outpatients is linked to modifiable risks, but local evidence on associated factors is needed to guide screening and prevention.
• What they did: In a cross-sectional design, investigators assessed oral status using Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) and Community Periodontal Index (CPI) via CPITN, alongside interviews. Diabetes mellitus showed higher odds (OR: 2.870, 95% CI: 1.516-5.441), smokeless tobacco users had OR: 7.271 (95% CI: 3.609-14.651), and smokers had OR: 3.687 (95% CI: 1.701-7.988).
• The result: Poor oral hygiene status was strongly positively correlated with periodontitis (r = 0.947, p < 0.001), supporting targeted oral health promotion and regular screening in this outpatient setting.

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