Comparison of prevalence of periodontal disease in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and healthy controls

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among

women of reproductive age, affecting 4-18% of them. Previous studies also showed that periodontal

diseases are associated with different components of the metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study

is to determine the association between PCOS and periodontal diseases.

Materials and Methods: A total of 196 women (98 with PCOS and 98 healthy controls) were

enrolled. PCOS diagnosis was confi rmed by history, clinical signs, physical examination, laboratory

parameters, and ultrasound studies. Both cases and controls were examined by the same periodontist.

Periodontal parameters including bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth, clinical attachment

loss (CAL), plaque index, and tooth loss were investigated in all participants. Pregnant women,

smokers, individuals with a history of malignancy or osteoporosis, and those taking prophylactic

antibiotics for dental procedures or receiving periodontal treatment during the 6-month period

before examination were excluded. Data were analyzed using t-test, Chi-square test, and linear

regression. Statistical signifi cance was set at P < 0.05.

Results: CAL and sites with BOP were signifi cantly higher in women with PCOS (P < 0.05).

However, no signifi cant difference was observed in the tooth loss rate between PCOS and non-

PCOS participants (P = 0.384).

Conclusion: The prevalence of periodontal disease seems to be higher in women with PCOS.

This may be related to the role of chronic systemic infl ammation in the pathophysiology of both

PCOS and periodontal diseases.

Key Words: Dental plaque index, menstrual disturbance, periodontal diseases, polycysticovary syndrome