Periodontal Comparison on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients and Healthy Subjects: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective:  To analyze periodontal comparison between Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) subject and healthy control.  Material and Methods:  This descriptive cross-sectional study included 122 subjects, 61 SLE patients and 61 healthy subjects who visited the Rheumatology Department, Dr. Saiful Anwar General Hospital, Malang, during 2017-2018. Clinical examination of SLE was using Mexican SLE Disease Activity Index and oral cavity conditions were assessed using the periodontal index, gingival index, calculus index, bleeding on probing, clinical attachment loss and mobility teeth.  Results:  The age of SLE patients ranged from 18-55 years old with the mean age of 29.50 ± 9.57 years old. Periodontitis was higher in SLE patients (88.5%) than healthy subjects (22.95%). In addition, periodontitis occurrence in SLE (2.66 ± 1.02) was significantly different (p<0.001) compared to healthy subjects (0.51 ± 0.81).  Conclusion:  This study found higher rates of periodontitis, gingivitis, bleeding on probing, clinical attachment loss, and mobility tooth among SLE patients compared to healthy subjects. Periodontitis was also found to be higher along with more severe SLE group.