A comparison of two questionnaires measuring oral health-related quality of life before and after dental hygiene treatment in patients with periodontal disease

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the usefulness of two different questionnaires assessing oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) at the basic examination and after initial dental hygiene treatment (DHtx). Methods: A total of 42 patients referred for periodontal treatment completed the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) and the General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) at the basic periodontal examination. They underwent DHtx and completed the questionnaires once again after the treatment. Results: No statistically significant differences could be found between the two assessments, neither for the total scores nor for any of the separate items of the OHIP-14 or the GOHAI. However, the GOHAI questionnaire seems to result in a greater variety in the responses indicating that the floor effect is not as pronounced as for the OHIP-14. Those who had rated their oral health as good reported significantly better OHRQoL on both questionnaires. The same pattern was found for patients who reported that they were satisfied with their teeth. After DHtx and necessary extractions, there was a statistically significant correlation between the number of teeth and the total scores on both questionnaires. No other statistically significant correlations with periodontal variables could be found. Conclusion: No statistically significant difference could be found after DHtx compared to before in regard to OHRQoL assessed with OHIP-14 and GOHAI. However, there was a greater variety in the responses with the GOHAI questionnaire; it may hereby be more useful for patients with periodontal disease.