Study on the relationship between the self-efficacy before and after non-surgical periodontal treatment and oral health-related quality of life

Objective To investigate the relationship between self-efficacy and oral health-related quality of life(OHRQoL) in patients with periodontitis before and after non-surgical periodontal treatment.

Methods A total of 64 patients with periodontitis were investigated by oral health self-efficacy scale and oral health impact scale before and after treatment, and the correlation among the variables were analyzed.

Results After non-surgical periodontal treatment, the OHRQoL score3(2, 3) was higher than that before treatment2(2, 3)(P < 0.01).After non-surgical periodontal treatment, the total score of OHIP-14, scores of the psychological discomfort, physical disability, social disorder and social dysfunction, and scores of the periodontal parameters CAL and PD were lower than those before treatment(P < 0.05 to P < 0.01).There was a negative correlation between self-efficacy and oral health impact scale scores before and after treatment(r_s=-0.654, P < 0.01 and r_s=-0.532, P < 0.01).

Conclusions Non-surgical periodontal treatment can significantly improve the OHRQoL.Oral health self-efficacy plays an important role in improving OHRQoL in patients with periodontitis after initial non-surgical periodontal treatment.