J Assoc Physicians India. 2025 May;73(5):e6-e10. doi: 10.59556/japi.73.0955.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: With major attention paid to the most evidently manifested illness like a seizure, few of the silent and deep-boring illnesses like dental issues are often neglected. This study has aimed to analyze the dental illness in people living with epilepsy (PWE).
METHODS: This was a prospective, single-center, case-control study conducted among PWE and their family members from March to May 2022. A survey on demographic parameters, dental hygiene practices, and symptoms of dental illness was taken, followed by a detailed dental examination of the study participants. Independent t -test was used to compare dental illness among PWE and controls.
RESULTS: A total of 69 patients were included, with a mean age of 32.5 ± 2.4 years, and 45 (63%) patients were symptomatic with dental issues. Patients from higher socioeconomic status were found to have better dental hygiene practices but also had a higher prevalence of wasting disease of teeth. About 67 of 69 PWE and 19 of 33 controls were found to have dental illness. PWE had a higher degree of asymptomatic soft tissue abnormalities (24 vs 0%, p < 0.0001) and periodontal disease (13 vs 7.4%, p < 0.0001) as compared to controls. Symptomatic PWE, in comparison to controls, had statistically significant hard tissue abnormalities (66 vs 33%, p = 0.0001), periodontal disease (48 vs 0%, p < 0.0001), and poor dental hygiene status (83 vs 33%, p < 0.0001). Duration and type of epilepsy had no impact on being symptomatic or asymptomatic with dental issues.
CONCLUSION: The hidden yet significant burden of dental illness must be addressed in PWE to improve the quality of life.
PMID:40553526 | DOI:10.59556/japi.73.0955
