Objective: Periodontitis is a chronic, multifactorial inflammatory disease that leads to the progressive destruction of the supporting tissues of the teeth, ultimately affecting patients’ quality of life. Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) can be assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between quality-of-life perceptions and periodontal disease, categorized according to the 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions.
Materials and Methods: Electronic searches were conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and LILACS databases for studies published from 2017 to September 2024. The search initially identified 1,765 titles. Two independent reviewers conducted the study selection and data extraction processes. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising seven longitudinal studies and one cohort study.
Results: Three studies highlighted a correlation between increasing severity of periodontitis (i.e., higher stages) and higher OHIP-14 scores, indicating a reduction in OHRQoL. This effect was particularly pronounced in patients classified with Stage III or IV periodontitis.
Conclusion: This systematic review underscores the impact of periodontal diseases on OHRQoL. As the severity and extent of periodontitis increase, patients experience greater declines in quality of life. All studies included in the review shared a common and significant limitation: none used a questionnaire specifically designed for periodontal diseases. A modified quality-of-life scale tailored to periodontitis should be considered for future research.