Objective
To assess and compare the oral health status of patients with and without leprosy consulting at a tertiary care center in the Philippines.
Methods
This cross-sectional exploratory study included 45 adult leprosy patients and 105 age- and sex-matched controls seen at a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Structured interviews and dental exams were conducted to assess decayed, missing, and lled permanent teeth (DMFT), bleeding on probing (BOP), periodontal probing depth (PPD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL). Dental treatment needs were also recorded.
Results
Leprosy patients had higher CAL (mean 3.14), more decayed teeth, fewer lled teeth, and were more likely to need extraction/endodontic treatment and restoration (p< 0.05) than controls. Advanced periodontitis (stage III/IV) was observed in 73% of leprosy patients, predominantly in those with lepromatous leprosy (n= 31).
Conclusion
Leprosy patients exhibited poorer oral health and greater unmet treatment needs compared with controls. These findings underscore persistent oral health disparities and support the integration of routine oral health screening and timely referral to dental services into leprosy management.
BT - Leprosy Review DA - 03/2026 DO - 10.47276/lr.97.1.2025117 IS - 1 LA - ENG M3 - Article N2 -Objective
To assess and compare the oral health status of patients with and without leprosy consulting at a tertiary care center in the Philippines.
Methods
This cross-sectional exploratory study included 45 adult leprosy patients and 105 age- and sex-matched controls seen at a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Structured interviews and dental exams were conducted to assess decayed, missing, and lled permanent teeth (DMFT), bleeding on probing (BOP), periodontal probing depth (PPD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL). Dental treatment needs were also recorded.
Results
Leprosy patients had higher CAL (mean 3.14), more decayed teeth, fewer lled teeth, and were more likely to need extraction/endodontic treatment and restoration (p< 0.05) than controls. Advanced periodontitis (stage III/IV) was observed in 73% of leprosy patients, predominantly in those with lepromatous leprosy (n= 31).
Conclusion
Leprosy patients exhibited poorer oral health and greater unmet treatment needs compared with controls. These findings underscore persistent oral health disparities and support the integration of routine oral health screening and timely referral to dental services into leprosy management.
PB - Lepra PY - 2026 SP - 1 EP - 11 T2 - Leprosy Review TI - The oral health status of Filipinos affected by leprosy in a Philippine tertiary care center UR - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/401653149_The_oral_health_status_of_Filipinos_affected_by_leprosy_in_a_Philippine_tertiary_care_center VL - 97 SN - 2162-8807 ER -