Subjective and objective oral health indicators among Indian adult population

Background: Occupational stress is becoming increasingly globalised. Research scientists, technicians and labourers are under stress due to irregular work pattern and prolonged working hours, making this group vulnerable to change their regular dietary habits and lifestyle. Thus, the present study was conducted to assess the impact of oral conditions on quality of life among employees of Central Sericulture, Research and Training Institute (CSR&TI), Mysore and to assess the relationship between clinical measure of oral health status; dental caries and oral health related quality of life. Methods: Cross-sectional data from all the scientists, technicians and labourers of CSR&TI, Mysore, was collected. A 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile to assess oral heath related quality of life was used and clinical examination was done to record DMFT according to WHO criteria 1997. Results: The prevalence of caries was 76.2%. The mean DT, MT, FT and DMFT were 1.98±2.49, 1.10±1.71, 0.49±1.06 and 3.57±3.19 respectively. The most prevalently affected OHIP-14 domain was physical pain (64.76%). Caries status was found to be significantly correlated with most of the domains of OHIP-14. Conclusion: Clinical indicator of oral health status; dental caries was found to be associated with OHIP-14 scores and has an impact on oral health related quality of life.