Table 2.
Oral health questionnaire responses based on COPD exacerbation status
| COPD exacerbation status | p-value | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Exacerbator (n=70) | Non-exacerbator (n=66) | ||
| Global oral health status | 0.30 | ||
| Poor | 17 (24%) | 21 (32%) | |
| Fair | 24 (34%) | 25 (38%) | |
| Good | 22 (31%) | 12 (18%) | |
| Very good | 3 (4.3%) | 6 (9.1%) | |
| Excellent | 4 (5.7%) | 2 (3.0%) | |
| Self-reported gum disease | 34 (49%) | 33 (50%) | 0.94 |
| Oral symptoms | |||
| Loose teeth | 28 (40%) | 32 (48%) | 0.37 |
| Bleeding gums | 17 (24%) | 22 (33%) | 0.30 |
| Dry mouth | 48 (69%) | 33 (50%) | 0.02 |
| Dentures | |||
| Partial denture | 20 (29%) | 17 (26%) | 0.09 |
| Full denture (upper or lower) | 4 (5.7%) | 10 (15%) | 0.49 |
| Frequency of teeth brushing or denture cleaninga | 0.75 | ||
| Never | 1 (1.5%) | 1 (1.5%) | |
| Less than once a day | 11 (16%) | 11 (17%) | |
| Once a day | 33 (49%) | 26 (39%) | |
| Two times per day | 21 (31%) | 24 (36%) | |
| More than two times per day | 2 (2.9%) | 4 (6.1%) | |
| Time since last dental visitb | 0.36 | ||
| <6 months ago | 24 (36%) | 30 (45%) | |
| 6–12 months ago | 14 (21%) | 8 (12%) | |
| 1–2 years ago | 11 (16%) | 7 (11%) | |
| >2 years ago | 18 (27%) | 21 (32%) | |
| Teeth/denture cleaning | |||
| Toothbrush | 66 (94%) | 60 (91%) | 0.46 |
| Dental floss | 38 (54%) | 32 (48%) | 0.56 |
| Mouthwash | 36 (51%) | 28 (42%) | 0.33 |
| Denture cleanser solution | 16 (23%) | 16 (24%) | 0.81 |
Notes: aTwo frequent exacerbators are missing this measure. Percentages are of non-missing. bThree frequent exacerbators are missing this measure. Percentages are of non-missing.