title: Psychosocial factors as risk indicators of periodontitis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Cross-sectional investigation of associations between psychosocial and periodontal parameters.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and ten patients 18-76 years of age were examined clinically and 57 radiographically at the Department of Conservative Dentistry of the University Hospital of Heidelberg: probing depths (PDs) and attachment level (PAL-V) were obtained at six sites per tooth. Inter-proximal bone loss was assessed in 57 patients on panoramic radiographs. Further chemical and general environmental sensitivity, somatization, and smoking status were assessed by several questionnaires.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant correlations between severe bone loss and age (r=0.38, p=0.004) were observed. PAL-V and PD also correlated with age (r=0.45, p<0.001; r=0.37, p<0.001) and pack years (r=0.21, p=0.031; r=0.3, p=0.002). After adjustment for age, smoking, and sex a negative correlation between chemical odour sensitivity and bone loss, PD=4 mm as well as PAL-V=4 mm was observed. Further, a negative correlation was observed between gastrointestinal sensitivity and PAL-V=4 mm. Psychological stress correlated positively with bone loss.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results give evidence for associations of psychosocial factors and periodontal disease. Some environmental traits seem to be related to more favourable periodontal status.
authors.affiliation: Department of Conservative Dentistry, Clinic for Oral, Dental and Maxillofacial Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
authors.forename: Marijana
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dolic
authors.forename: Josef
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bailer
authors.forename: Hans Jörg
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Staehle
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Eickholz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000523:psychology*; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008336:Mandibular Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000523:psychology; D008439:Maxillary Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000523:psychology; D011859:Radiography; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013997:Time Factors