Periodontal health status in people with Parkinson's disease: a French cohort study.

Introduction: People with Parkinson's disease (PD) may have difficulty maintaining good oral hygiene due to their motor impairments. This generally leads to a higher prevalence of oral infections, including periodontal disease. To date, no study has addressed this issue in a French population. Objective: The aim of the study, part of the PARKIDENT clinical trial, was to assess the periodontal health of people with PD and to evaluate changes in their periodontal parameters 6 months after receiving hygiene advice. Methods: Data were collected from 40 participants at both baseline and 6-month follow-up. These data included demographic information and an assessment of the participants' PD stage. Oral health assessments included oral hygiene and periodontal status. Microbiological samples were also collected and the data collected during the two visits were compared. Results: Forty people with PD participated in the study. An improvement in oral hygiene habits and a reduction in the plaque index were observed at follow-up. The frequency of patients with significant periodontal pockets (> 6mm) was also reduced (from 20% to 3%). The improvement in these periodontal parameters was associated with a reduction in bacterial load, particularly for Treponema denticola (p=0.003). Conclusion: The study suggests that hygiene advice can improve periodontal health in patients with PD, potentially preventing tooth loss and improving their quality of life. Clinical Significance: This study, the first in France on the periodontal health of people with PD, suggests that dental visits and hygiene advice can improve their oral health.