March 2012

Objective: To assess the oral health related quality of life among periodontal risk patients before and after periodontal therapy. Method: The study population consisted of 183 patients reporting to the outpatient department of periodontics, who were grouped into low, moderate and high risk patients based on the periodontal risk assessment model. The patients were asked to complete the OHQoL-UK 16 questionnaire before and after periodontal therapy. The change in the patient perception of quality of life before and after treatment was assessed. Results: Periodontitis had a considerable negative impact on the quality of life of patients in the high risk group in comparison to low and moderate risk groups (p<0.001). Treatment brought about an improvement in the OHQoL scores in the moderate and high risk group. Conclusion: This study shows that risk of periodontal disease is significantly related to oral health related quality of life and periodontal therapy improves the quality of life of patients. Key words: periodontal risk assessment, OHQoL-UK, periodontal treatment