ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to examine the relationship between behavioral variables, such as smoking and level of income on the periodontal disease among older South Indian adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data pertaining to participants aged 55 years and above from the Outpatient Department of MR Ambedkar Dental College and Hospital were used. A total of 209 elderly subjects were selected by convenient sampling and a complete evaluation of their periodontal status was carried out. RESULTS: Our study showed that patients belonging to the lower income group and smokers had more severe disease compared to other groups. They were found to have higher plaque scores, higher calculus scores, deeper pockets and attachment loss compared to the subjects of the other groups. CONCLUSION: Variables, such as smoking, gender and low income are associated with the severity of periodontal disease in older adults.
