Self-reporting of periodontal diseases and clinical assessment outcome in a Swedish urban population of smokers and non-smokers

The aim of this study was to determine whether there is an association between self-reporting of periodontal diseases and outcome in a clinical examination, and whether any difference is present in awareness of periodontal status between smokers and non-smokers. Participants comprised 1676 adults (838 M and 838 F aged between 31 and 40 years), 564 of whom reported being smokers. Subjects were asked via questionnaire whether they thought they had periodontal disease and why. A total of 1655 subjects answered the questionnaire and were subsequently divided into those who suspected having periodontal disease (Yes-group) and those who did not (No-group). A full-mouth clinical examination was carried out in all subjects. Female smokers in the Yes-group had a significantly higher number of teeth with pockets greater than or equal to5 mm (P< 0.001) and a higher calculus index (CI-S, P< 0.01) than female smokers in the No-group. Male smokers in the Yes-group had significantly less remaining teeth (P < 0.01), more teeth with pockets >= 5 mm (P< 0.001), and a higher CI-S (P< 0.05) than their counterparts in the No-group. For smokers, multivariate logistic regression analysis yielded an odds ratio (OR 3.21 [95% Cl 1.73-5.74]) of self-reported periodontal disease to periodontitis outcome which was significant (P<0.001). This association remained significant (P< 0.01) after adjustment for confounding factors. Subjects who reported having periodontal disease, especially those who also reported having movable teeth, were confirmed to have the disease. Smokers were more aware of their periodontal status than non-smokers.