A retrospective analysis of the role of age and sex in outcomes of non-surgical periodontal therapy at a single academic dental center

Sci Rep. 2024 Apr 25;14(1):9504. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-60094-7.

Abstract

The present study examined the role of age and sex in the outcomes of non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT). De-identified demographic and periodontal characteristics of patients who presented for baseline periodontal evaluation, NSPT, and periodontal re-evaluation were abstracted from electronic health records. Independent associations of age and sex with severe periodontitis defined as ≥ 5 mm clinical attachment loss (CAL) and ≥ 6 mm probing depth (PD) were determined using multinomial logistic regression. The null hypothesis was rejected at α < 0.05. A total of 2866 eligible subjects were included in the analysis. Significantly lower odds of CAL ≤ 4 mm than CAL ≥ 5 mm (reference) were observed in adults aged 35-64 (odds ratio, OR, 0.19; 95% confidence interval, CI 0.13, 0.29) and ≥ 65 years (OR 0.13; 95% CI 0.07, 0.25) compared to those aged 18-34 years. Odds of PD < 4 mm versus PD ≥ 6 mm (reference) were lower in adults aged 35-64 years than those aged 18-34 years (OR 0.71; 95% CI 0.55, 0.90) and higher in females compared to males (OR 1.67; 95% CI 1.14, 2.44). These results suggest more compromised post-NSPT outcomes in older adults and males compared to the respective populations and highlight the need for personalized therapeutic strategies in these populations.

Keywords: Aging; Association; Periodontitis; Sex; Treatment outcome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Periodontitis* / therapy
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sex Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult