Study of Gingivitis and Associated Factors among Adult Patients Visiting the School of Dentistry, Islamabad

الملخص

Background: Gingivitis is one of the most common non-communicable diseases which affect people of all ages. Gingivitis is an inflammatory response of the oral cavity; if it remains untreated, it progresses into a severe disease named periodontitis. Clinical examination of gingivitis shows dental microbial plaque, redness, oedema, bleeding on probe, and halitosis. Our study aims to investigate the frequency of gingivitis by using the gingival index of LOE and SILNESS, and its association with clinical characteristics and oral hygiene visiting SOD, Islamabad. Methods: Prospectively, this is a cross-sectional study in which a non-probability/convenience sampling technique was used. Data from 100 patients who had a gingival index score from 0-3. A clinical examination was performed to measure the gingival indices of Loe and Sil ness of each participant, and clinical characteristics and oral hygiene habits were also noted. Chi-square analysis was used to find out the association between variables. Results: Our study analysis included 100 patients with an equal distribution of both genders, i.e. 50%. The mean age of the patients was 33.83± 10.71. Out of 100 patients, 10 patients had no inflammation (males n=4, females n=6), 34 had mild gingivitis (males n=17, females n=17), 35 had moderate gingivitis (males n=17, females n=18), and 21 had severe gingivitis (males n=12, females n=9). Our study results indicated a significant association of the gingival index with oral hygiene habits, i.e. Brushing (twice daily), mouth rinsing and smoking (p<0.005) and showed no association with oral hygiene habits, i.e. regular dental checkups and flossing (p>0.005). Similarly, our result analysis indicated a significant association between the gingival index and clinical characteristics, i.e. Gingival bleeding, dental plaque, toothache and bad breath(halitosis), with p<0.005, and showed no association with crowding (p>0.005).  Our study results showed that, based on the Gingival index, the highest number of patients were seen to be suffering from moderate gingivitis, predominantly affecting female patients more, and the ratio of severe gingivitis was significantly higher in males. Conclusion: Our study concludes that gingivitis and its associated factors played a major role in poor oral health. With adherence to good hygiene practices, gingival health can be improved, and the risk of gingivitis can be minimized. Similarly, the development of severe gingivitis is also associated with the progression of worse clinical features.