[Assessment of oral cavity mucosa and teeth state in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease--part I].

Unlabelled: The aim of the study was to assess the state of oral cavity mucosa and teeth in patients with chronic obturative pulmonary disease (COPD).

Material And Methods: The study comprised 100 patients with COPD (68 men and 32 women), aged 30-83 years (mean 63.1 +/- 10.17 years). All patients demonstrated II grade COPD (moderate COPD). FEV1/FVC<70% and FEV1 was within 79% and 50% of the predicted value. Beta2-adrenomimetic inhalants or in nebulization, theophylline were applied in the therapy. The control group consisted of 101 subjects (38 men and 63 women), aged 42-88 years (mean 65.3-10.36 years), with no respiratory tract ailments. The rate of smoking was similar in both groups. The examination of oral cavity mucosa and teeth state was performed in artificial lightening with the use of probe and mouth mirror. The number of lacking teeth and the advancement of caries were determined.

Results: Thrush appeared to be the most frequent oral cavity mucosa ailment in COPD patients. Toothlessness and reduced teeth number were observed significantly more often in COPD patients than in the control group (p<0.05). The frequency and the type of caries did not differ significantly between the two groups (p>0.05).