The seasonal occurrence of periodontitis – a retrospective cohort study from a practice-based research network

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Stefanie Anna Peikert - , Medical University of Graz, University of Freiburg (Author)
  • Stephanie Metzger - , University of Freiburg (Author)
  • Anne Brigitte Kruse - , University of Freiburg (Author)
  • Felix Mittelhamm - , Herr Dr. med. dent. Felix Mittelhamm (Author)
  • Eberhard Frisch - , University of Freiburg, Herr Dr. med. dent. Felix Mittelhamm (Author)
  • Kirstin Vach - , University Medical Center Freiburg (Author)
  • Petra Ratka-Krüger - , University of Freiburg (Author)
  • Johan Peter Woelber - , Department of Dental Maintenance, Periodontology, Department of Dental Maintenance, Department of Pedodontics (Author)

Abstract

Objective: Many diseases are characterised by their seasonal appearance due to circannual changes in immune defence and a lifestyle that changes over the seasons. However, there is a lack of studies regarding the influence of seasonality on periodontitis. Therefore, the aim of this non-interventional, retrospective, observational study was to investigate the influence of seasonality on periodontitis. Materials and methods: Periodontal parameters of 5,908 patients of a practice-based research network (PBRN) were analysed. Probing pocket depth (PPD), Bleeding on Probing (BOP) and tooth mobility were assessed for seasonal fluctuations. Results: Within the PBRN patient data, seasonality was significantly associated with PPD of the individual months in patients with periodontitis. Pairwise comparison between the months showed significantly higher PPD in July compared to several months. PPD appeared significantly lower in December compared to June and November. Regarding season, the proportion of deep PPDs (6 mm) was significantly higher in summer compared to autumn (p = 0.024). Concerning BOP, a significant difference between winter and autumn could be observed (p = 0.016). No seasonal influence was found for tooth mobility. Conclusion: This practice-network based study indicated a tendency for seasonal variations in periodontal parameters among periodontal patients. However, the differences did not achieve clinical relevance. Clinical relevance: Regarding the seasonality of several diseases there might also be an influence of seasons on the periodontium, which would have a potential influence on periodontal studies and daily periodontal examination.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number596
JournalClinical oral investigations
Volume28
Issue number11
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2024
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 39400750

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Periodontitis, Practice-based research network (PBRN), Seasonality