Quality of Life and Health for Patients with Chronic Periodontitis: A Qualitative Study

Abstract Background: Disease burden created by periodontal disease has been recognized as a global challenge. The burden of medical expenses is expected to increase continuously, parallel to the growth of the elderly population. Periodontal disease causes tooth loss if not treated early, and advanced periodontitis can cause a decline in chewing ability and word pronunciation as well as aesthetic function. These results diminish the health-related quality of life (QOL) for various populations, particularly the elderly, adults, pregnant women, and workers. Thus, not only is early detection and management of the disease necessary, but also a systematic strategy for the prevention of periodontal diseaseMethods: Adults 19 years of age or older diagnosed with chronic gingivitis (K05.1) or chronic periodontitis (K05.3) under the ICD-10 codes were selected to participate in the study. Among the patients visiting the dental outpatient department, the study participants were chosen for our sample. A total of 20 participants were informed of the purpose of the study and gave consent to participate in in-depth interviews.Results: The analysis results were summarized into the four upper categories of ‘Interfering Element for Dental Care,’ ‘Declined Quality of Life caused by Dental Disease,’ ‘Satisfaction Elements after Treatment of Dental Disease,’ ‘Improvements for Voluntary Dental Care.’ The treatment of periodontal disease has improved the health-related quality of life and enabled the participants to have positive health behaviors for dental care. Furthermore, they recognized the severity of periodontal disease and the importance of dental examinations. It enabled them to be aware of the need of societal effort for dental care awareness.Conclusions: This study was an in-depth examination of the health-related QOL of periodontal patients through qualitative research methodology. The experiences of periodontal disease identified by this study can not only help to assess the adequacy of the current dental health-related QOL assessment tools but also recognize unmet needs regarding periodontal disease and, ultimately, to raise the awareness of periodontal disease among the general public. Based on this research, we expect that research on health-related QOL on periodontal disease would expand and revitalize the dental health system and practices.