Caries Status among Leprosy Patients: A KAP Survey

Abstract

Leprosy is a chronic granulamatous dreadful disease affecting the body causing severe disfigurement and loss of function. The patients infected with this disease are ostracised in the society and their oral health status is often neglected. The study was conducted on 30 patients treated in St. John leprosy colony, Chengalpet. Of these 30% were female patients and 70% were male patients. Age ranges between 40 and 70 with the mean age being 52. Subjects diagnosed as leprotic (tuberculoid, borderline, and lepromatous) and under multidrug resistance therapy were included in the study.  Dental caries was diagnosed using mouth mirror and explorer. The data was analysed and has been charged. The cumulative DMFT score for the surveyed population was 197. Out of 197 carious teeth 73 belonged to class I, 21 belonged to class II and class III, 22 belonged to class IV, 43 belonged to class V, 17 belonged to class VI. The caries status in patients with leprosy is active and significant. Hence rigorous awareness and treatment measures should be undertaken to address this.