Social Determinants of Health and Periodontitis in Postmenopausal Women

Objectives: Identify the social determinants of health (SDH) factors associated with the prevalence of severe periodontal disease in postmenopausal women (PMW) and to compare periodontal parameters with demographic, lifestyle factors, anthropometric measurements and pre-existing diseases in the northeast region of Ohio. Methods: Retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted using the Case Cleveland Clinic Postmenopausal Wellness Consortium (CCCPWC), a database of over 900 PMW. The periodontal parameters median probing depth (MPD), number of loss teeth (TL), bleeding on probing (BOP) were collected from charts as endpoint measurements. Recession (MR) was likewise collected as a supporting metric. Results: PMW with diabetes had significantly higher TL (13 vs 5; p < 0.001) and BOP(86.2% vs 59.2%; p=0.02); those with osteoporosis had significantly higher TL (10 vs 5; p <0.001) and significantly higher BOP (80% vs 59.9%; p=0.005). MPD was greater in smokers(2 mm vs. 1 mm, p < 0.001). PMW using MSU had significantly higher TL (9 vs 4; p < 0.001) PMW and significantly higher BOP (35.1% vs 20.9%; p=0.003). TL was significantly higher High School Graduate/GED compared to greater than High School, (8 vs 5; p=0.014) PMW with less than High School had significantly higher BOP (p < 0.001). TL was higher in White compared to Mexican American/Other Hispanics (8 vs 5, respectively; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Social determinants play a role in tooth loss and oral inflammation. Strategies to counterbalance social determinants which have an impact on oral health require further investigation and implementation.