Association of coffee with severity of periodontal disease-A comparative cross-sectional clinical study

Background: Coffee is commonly consumed in India on an everyday basis as it is considered to be psychoactive, mood elevator and provides relief from cold and headache. Objectives: To evaluate the association of coffee with severity of periodontal disease. Materials and methods: This study included 100 systemically healthy non-obese individuals aged 19-50 years, consuming coffee on an everyday basis for the past six months from the hostel mess of SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital (SDMCDSH), Dharwad, and were categorized into two groups, wherein 50 subjects in Group A (test group) comprised of individuals consuming only coffee and 50 subjects in Group B (control group) comprised of individuals not consuming coffee or tea. The consumption frequency for the test group was further divided into three categories: one cup/day; two to three cups/day and more than four cups/day. The clinical parameters recorded were: the Plaque Index, Gingival Index, Bleeding on Probing, Probing Pocket Depth and Clinical attachment levels. The results were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: The Spearman correlation co-efficient (r-value) between coffee consumption and severity of periodontal disease suggested that, as coffee consumption increased, there was an increase in the severity of gingivitis and periodontitis. Conclusion: With increase in coffee consumption, there is more gingivitis and periodontitis.