Periodontal status of tuberculosis patients - Is there a two-way link?

Background: The influence of systemic disorders on periodontal tissues is well established. Amongst various chronic debilitating diseases, tuberculosis (TB) is one of the major health problems in most developing countries. Although it has a definite affinity for the lungs, it can affect any part of the body including the oral cavity. TB and periodontitis are the two distinct disease processes. But environmental and biological factors play a key role in etiopathogenesis of both the diseases. These factors alter tissue microenvironment leading to cascade of untoward events.

Aim: To assess and compare the periodontal status of TB patients with that of non-TB subjects.

Materials and methods: 50 subjects were recruited and divided into 2 groups. Group A consisted of subjects suffering from TB serving as Test group while group B included non-TB subjects serving as Control group.

Statistical analysis: Unpaired t-test was used.

Results and conclusion: Statistically significant difference in probing pocket depth and bleeding on probing was found between groups A and B, with the difference being higher in group A subjects, thus concluding that periodontal status might be linked with TB.