Description

Literature reveals that there occurs masticatory dysfunction in patients with Stage III and IV Periodontitis. It has been hypothesized that masticatory dysfunction along with halitosis and aesthetics of the patient can have an effect on the psychological distress in a chronic state.

Patients of Stage III and Stage IV Periodontitis with the following criteria will be included :

1. Adult patients with age group 30-50 years diagnosed with stage III/IV generalized periodontitis.
2. Presence of minimum 20 teeth (Eichner group A1, A2, A3) excluding third molars.

Exclusion Criteria: Patients with

1. Systemic diseases that may affect periodontal disease progression or outcome of treatment (diabetes, autoimmune diseases)
2. Systemic diseases that may affect masticatory ability of the patient (sarcopenia, TMJ disorders, Xerostomia, Acute Pulpitis)
3. History of periodontal treatment within the 6 months
4. Patients wearing orthodontic appliances
5. Diagnosed psychiatric disorder
6. History of antibiotic use within the previous 3 months
7. History of use of Steroid, immunosuppressive and psychiatric drugs
8. Pregnant and lactating women
9. Smoking or substance abuse
10. History of Menopause

Periodontal clinical parameters:

Plaque Index, Gingival Index, Bleeding on Probing, Probing Pocket Depth, Clinical Attachment Level, Mobility Psychological Parameters: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale -14 and Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale -21 Quality of Masticatory Dysfunction Questionnaire and Objective evaluation of Masticatory Performance by mixing ability of Hubba Bubba chewing gum.

The sample of 84 patients consisting of 42 cases and 42 controls. The patients will be re-evaluated at 2 and 3 months follow up for clinical periodontal parameters, masticatory performance and psychological distress.