Describing the Oral Health of Warfarin Users. A Short Report

Abstract

Aim: To describe the burden of oral diseases and of self-reported periodontal disease of patients under Oral Anticoagulation Therapy (OAT) with warfarin.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Validated questionnaires assessed self-re-ported periodontal disease and demographic variables. After calibration (Kappa > 0.80), an examiner evaluated dental caries and the need for dental prostheses. Statistical analysis involved proportions and measures of central tendency. Results: The sample consisted of 158 individuals, with a mean age of 58.8 years (SD = 12.1), of which 62.7% of the participants were women. The average DMFT (Decayed, Mis-sing, and Filled Teeth) index was 22.9 (SD = 7.6), with the missing component being the highest (Mean = 16.23). The use of maxillary prosthesis (53.2%) was higher than mandibu-lar (32.3%). The need for mandibular prosthesis reached 66.5%. The percentage of partici-pants that referred gum disease, tooth migration, and tooth mobility was 29.6%, 37.4%, and 30.4%, respectively.Conclusions: The burden of oral diseases among individuals undergoing OAT is worrisome.