Association Between Oral Health Status and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Individuals With Thyroid Dysfunction: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and aim Any alterations in the hormonal regulation system such as thyroid dysfunction may have an impact on oral health status, which in turn may affect their oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). The objective of this study was to determine the association of thyroid dysfunction on oral health status and OHRQoL of subjects with thyroid dysfunction. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 subjects with thyroid dysfunction and 150 subjects without thyroid dysfunction aged 18-60 years from a government hospital in Bangalore city. Subjects with or without thyroid dysfunction aged 18-60 years were included in the study. Subjects who had other systemic conditions, who were pregnant or lactating, who had tobacco chewing or smoking habits, and who had undergone periodontal therapy in the past six months were excluded. OHRQoL was assessed using a pre-validated Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire. Oral health examination was done using the WHO Oral Health Assessment Form for Adults, 2013. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed. Results The mean age of the subjects with and without thyroid dysfunction was 43.01±10.9 and 42±9.8, respectively, with female predominance. Most of them had a socioeconomic status of less than the lower middle class. Subjects with thyroid dysfunction showed a higher proportion of dental caries, root caries, gingival bleeding, periodontal pocket, and loss of attachment as compared to the subjects without thyroid dysfunction (p<0.05). Subjects with hyperthyroidism showed poor periodontal condition and a higher proportion of dental caries experience as compared to subjects with hypothyroidism (p>0.05). Oral health indicators showed a significant positive correlation with OHRQoL among subjects with or without thyroid dysfunction. Conclusion There was an association between oral health status and OHRQoL among subjects with thyroid dysfunction when compared to subjects without thyroid dysfunction. Therefore, it is necessary to inform individuals with thyroid dysfunction about the importance of preventive oral care.