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

Objective: To identify the factors associated with periodontitis among dental outpatient departments at tertiary hospitals in Dhaka. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 227 patients from dental outpatient departments of three tertiary-level hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh by intra-oral examinations and in-person interviews using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire through Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) and the Community Periodontal Index (CPI) component of the CPITN. Results: About 55% were classified as having periodontitis. Both diabetes mellitus (p < 0.05) and harmful oral habits (smoking, smokeless tobacco, and constant tooth picking) were significantly associated with periodontitis (p < 0.05). Participants with diabetes had 2.87 times higher odds of periodontitis (OR: 2.870, 95% CI: 1.516-5.441). The odds of having periodontitis were 7.27 times higher for smokeless tobacco users (OR: 7.271, 95% CI: 3.609-14.651), and smokers had 3.69-fold higher odds of periodontitis (OR: 3.687, 95% CI: 1.701-7.988). A strong positive correlation was observed between poor oral hygiene status and the presence of periodontitis (r = 0.947, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Diabetes, smoking and poor oral hygiene are key determinants of periodontitis which underscore the need for targeted oral health promotion, regular screening and integration of periodontal care into geriatric services. Keywords: Periodontitis; Oral hygiene; Tobacco use; Diabetes mellitus