Effect of Daily Water Intake on Periodontal Health and Dental Caries: A Cross-Sectional Study

Role of Water in Periodontal Health and Caries

Abstract

Background: Water is crucial for maintenance of human body health. Objective: The study aimed to determine the effect of water intake on oral health and to compare the water intake behaviors in people of different age groups, genders, and professions. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Settings: Study was conducted in the outpatient department of Punjab Dental Hospital through systemic random sampling. Duration: November 02, 2022 to January 03, 2023. Methods: A close-ended questionnaire was designed and administered; the later clinical examination was performed, and findings were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results: DMFT score was highest among those aged between 45 to 54 years, males, having elementary school education, unemployed, and having sedentary job activity level. Males (33.6%) were consuming more water. Respondents drinking adequate water had coral pink gingiva (25.6%), whereas those who were consuming less water had red gingiva (25.6%), bleeding on probing (37.6%), and supra gingival calculus (33.6%). The main reasons for not drinking adequate water were forgetfulness, followed by adipsia and fear of polyuria. Most respondents (72.8%) preferred drinking water at home rather than at work. Most respondents (72.8%) do not drink water at their workplace as they preferred (32%) to drink home-filtered water. Most respondents (83.2%) used only water for oral cleaning. Conclusion: Those consuming less than 1 liter of water daily had an increased prevalence of supragingival calculus, bleeding gums, and dark red gingiva. The mode of intervention should be mass education regarding water consumption, as per guidelines of WHO and ADA.