Periodontitis and CAT score: can a COPD assessment tool provide valid information regarding dental status?

BACKGROUND: Both chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and periodontitis are widespread diseases with high health economic relevance but with questionable association. This study investigated whether a COPD-Assessment test (CAT) can be used to assess the risk of impaired dental status in a non-specific population of smokers.METHODS: In a prospective cross-sectional pilot trial, patients with smoking history (≥20 packyears) were examined in a dental practice for the purpose of dental prophylaxis. In addition to the CAT score, the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire was used to assess subjective oral health. The periodontal screening index (PSI) and the DMF-T (Decayed, Missing, Filled, Teeth) index served as objective indicators.RESULTS: The study enrolled 169 patients (mean age 54.6±8.9 years). Average CAT score (possible range 0 to 40) was 10.4±6.2, with 43.4% scoring ≥10. Mean PSI score was 2.9±0.5 with no age influence, and 91.5% had periodontitis (PSI score 3 or 4; scale: 0 to 4). Median OHIP score was 4.0 (scale: 0 to 51). Mean DMF-T index (possible range 0 to 28) was 17.5±7.1, indicating higher scores in patients over 60 years compared to those aged 40-49 years (22.0±6.3 vs. 14.3±6.1, P<0.001). No correlation was found between CAT scores and objective dental variables, but a significant correlation existed between CAT and OHIP scores (r: 0.524; P<0.001).CONCLUSIONS: In smokers without pulmonary disease, CAT scores indicate high symptom burden but do not predict dental status. However, there is a significant positive correlation between the quality of oral health and COPD-related symptoms.