Relation between oral health and hansen’s disease reactions in a hyperendemic city for hansen’s disease

Abstract Background Poor oral health conditions are being considered as harmful for people affected by Hansen’s disease, since they contribute to worsening the clinical condition of these individuals. Objective This study aims to evaluate the oral health conditions of individuals attended by a specialized service in the city of Sobral, Ceará, and to compare two groups (with and without Hansen’s disease reaction) regarding oral conditions. Method A cross-sectional study was carried out at the Ambulatório de Hanseníase in the city of Sobral, Ceará, Brazil, with 56 patients being treated. An epidemiological survey was conducted on oral health and an interview that collected information on oral health conditions, socioeconomic data, use of dental services and perception between the disease and oral health. For the statistical analysis between the groups, a bivariate analysis was performed, followed by a multivariate analysis. Results Predominance was the male gender, low level of schooling and multibacillary diagnosis. Despite the statistically significant relationship between presence of Hansen’s disease reaction and the presence of dental caries, need for exodontia and / or endodontics, gingival bleeding, dental calculus and periodontal pocket, only the latter had a significant association (p = 0.019) in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion The participants of this study presented poor oral health conditions, being worse in those who presented Hansen’s disease reactions.