IMPAIRED ORAL HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE IN INDIVIDUALS WITH CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been associated with various health implications, including potential effects on oral health and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL). Understanding the relationship between COPD and dental health is crucial for optimizing patient care and well-being. This review aims to assess the existing literature on the impact of COPD on oral health and OHRQoL.

Methods

The review process followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted in the databases, resulting in 304 records. Data extraction was done by 2 reviewers separately. Data extraction variables included study ID, sample, age, gender ratio, type of study, respiratory evaluation, OHRQoL assessment, and inferences. Newcastle Ottawa scale was employed to assess the methodological quality of the included studies.

Results

The final selection included 3 studies eligible for qualitative synthesis. OHIP-5 and OHIP-14 were used to assess OHRQoL These studies provided valuable insights into the association between COPD and dental health. OHRQoL was negatively impacted among COPD sufferers. In addition, COPD patients demonstrated significantly fewer teeth and higher plaque index (PI) as compared to control cohorts. The risk of bias was low in the included studies. But the literature available was scarce, which warrants further longitudinal studies with a larger sample size in this regard.

Conclusion

The evidence from the selected studies suggests a significant association between COPD and various dental health parameters, as well as their impact on OHRQoL. Dental health assessments should be integrated into COPD management to better understand disease severity and exacerbation risk. An interdisciplinary approach involving both respiratory and oral health professionals is crucial for comprehensive patient care. Future research should explore the underlying mechanisms and conduct longitudinal studies to establish causal relationships. These findings contribute to our understanding of the complex interplay between COPD and oral health and have implications for improving patient outcomes and quality of life.