COMPARISON OF EROSION AND PERIODONTAL INDICES IN PATIENTS WITH AND WITHOUT GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE

Gastroesphageal reflux disease (GERD) is a systemic disease with intraoral manifestations. The aim of this study was to compare erosion (Loss of tooth structure due to a chemical process without bacterial cause) and periodontal indices including: calculus index (CI), plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), clinical attachment level (CAL) and probing pocket depth (PPD) in patients with GERD and in non GERD subjects that was done in 2002 in Imam Khomeini Hospital. 35 Patients with GERD (test group) and 35 subjects without GERD (Control group) were selected randomly for this study. Statistical analysis for comparing differences between the test and Control groups were Performed using chi square and Fisher exact test. The results showed that the prevalence of erosion was significantly higher in test group (14.3% GERD, 62.9% non GERD). There was also a significant difference in GI, PI, CI and PPD between test and control groups. CAL did not show any significant difference between the two groups. Also Helicobacter pylori was significantly higher in test group (80% test, 54% control group). According to the results, communication between dentist and internist leads to diagnosis and control of GERD, and prevents changes of teeth and periodontal structures