Validity of self-reported periodontal measures, demographic characteristics, and systemic medical conditions

Background: The objective of the present study was to assess self-reported periodontal screening questions, demographic characteristics, systemic medical conditions, and tobacco use for predicting periodontal disease among individuals seeking dental therapy in a university dental clinic. Methods: In this retrospective study, a total of 4,890 randomly selected dental charts were evaluated from among patients who had attended the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry clinics for treatment. Radiographic bone loss measurements were used to assess the severity of periodontal disease. Demographic characteristics as well as medical history of the patients were also recorded. Five self-reported periodontal screening questions were included, with answers limited to Yes/No. Generalized logit models were used to assess the association between bone loss and the predictors. Results: The sample's mean age was 54.1 years and included 52.6% males and 14.9% smokers, with a mean of 3.5 missing teeth. Self-reported tooth mobility, history of "gum treatment," and the importance of retaining teeth as well as age, tobacco use, and cancer were statistically significant predictors (P < 0.05) of a radiographic diagnosis of moderate and severe periodontal disease. With respect to severe periodontal disease, significant associations (P < 0.05) were also found with "bleeding while brushing," gender, diabetes, anxiety, and arthritis. Conclusions: Self-reported periodontal screening questions as well as demographic characteristics, smoking, and systemic medical conditions were significant predictors of periodontal disease, and they could be used as valid, economic, and practical measures.