Evaluation of oral and periodontal status of leprosy patients in Dindigul district.

AIM: After the introduction of the multidrug therapy, the incidence of leprosy is decreasing every year. However, periodontal complaints are commonly seen in these patients due to compromised immunity and impaired oral hygiene. The aim of the present study is to assess the oral and periodontal status of the leprosy patients in Dindigul district.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 62 patients treated in a leprosy center at Dindigul district. Among these, 22 (35.5%) were female patients and 40 were male patients (64.5%). Age ranges between 40 and 70 with the mean age being 52. Facial changes, periodontal status, dental caries, attrition, tooth loss, plaque index (Silness and Loe), and calculus component of oral hygiene index-simplified were assessed.

RESULTS: Majority of the patients presented with loss of eyebrows and eyelashes, saddle nose, ocular involvement, and leonine facies. Gingival recession (54.8%) was a predominant finding followed by tooth loss (69.5%), mobility (60.86%), attrition (56%), chronic pulpitis (34.7%), and dental caries (26%). Most of the patients had severe periodontitis.

CONCLUSIONS: Compromised immunity and altered autonomy pave way for many dental complaints such as periodontitis and deposits in tooth with poor oral hygiene. Awareness about the oral health problems and reinforcement of oral hygiene should be insisted to the leprosy patients to prevent further morbidity.