Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between oral health and work performance measured as absenteeism and presenteeism.
Methods: Study participants were employees (mean age: 42.7 ± 11.4 years) of 11 companies in Japan. Oral examination and self-administered questionnaires provided information on industrial category, work schedule, work performance (absenteeism and presenteeism), and smoking status.
Results: The proportion of absenteeism (2.7%) or presenteeism (6.8%) of workers caused by oral health problems was low. Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of absenteeism due to oral health problems was not significantly related to occupation or oral health status. However, the risk of presenteeism caused by oral health problems was 2.01 (95% confidence interval, 1.03 to 3.92) times higher among participants with periodontitis.
Conclusions: Periodontal disease is associated with presenteeism of workers. It is considered that the periodontal disease countermeasure in the workplace should be provided.