The clinical and socio - cultural evaluation of the effects of oral contraceptives on periodontal condition

Abstract

Human gingival tissues serve as a target for progesterone and estrogen, causing an increase in gingival inflammation.
Therefore, the use of oral contraceptives (OC) might be considered as a predisposing factor for periodontal disease. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effects of oral contraceptives on the periodontium and to investigate the relation between socio-cultural status and periodontal condition.
Twenty non users women (group 1), 20 OC users for less than 2 years (group 2) and 20 for 2-4 years (group 3) with generally good oral hygiene standards were selected for this study. Plaque index (PLI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP) and teeth loss were measured. Socio cultural data including: age, educational level, professional level, number of children, frequencies of dental visits, tooth brushing and previous periodontal treatment were collected by a questionnaire form.
The results of this study showed that the percentages of PPD of score (≥4) mm were significantly increased when group 1 was compared with group 2 and group 3. Similar results were detected by comparing group 1 with group 3 in respect to percentages of BOP. Also a relationship was observed between percentages of extracted teeth of mothers and number of children at each group. On the other hand neither of the socio-cultural variables was found to have a statistically significant effect among the 3 groups nor means of PLI and GI.
It's concluded that women on contraceptive pills require regular periodontal care programs may help to maintain healthy gingiva and avoid development of sever periodontal problems.