Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Journal of Research in Clinical Medicine 2717-0616 14 1 2026 01 01 Exploring the Impact of Oral and Dental Health on Quality of Life in Parkinson’s Patients: A Comparative Study 35030 35030 10.34172/jrcm.35030 EN Negar Sarafan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8710-7753 Arash Mosarrezaii https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0805-2318 Aryn Najaf Gadimi https://orcid.org/0000-0007-2549-3254 Razieh Parizad https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4492-637X Mohammad Jafari Heydarlou https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0952-3863 Journal Article 10.34172/jrcm.35030 2024 08 21 2025 07 05 Introduction: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by symptoms such as tremors and rigidity, and non-motor symptoms including swallowing and speech difficulties. The non-motor problems can impair oral hygiene, leading to poorer dental health and reduced quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to compare oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) between patients with Parkinson’s and healthy controls. Methods: A descriptive-analytical study was conducted with 133 participants: 67 PD patients and 66 healthy controls. Data collection included the 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire and an oral health behavior assessment. Clinical dental examinations recorded the number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) in PD patients. Statistical analyses such as one-way ANCOVA and linear regression controlled for confounders like age and education. Results: Parkinson’s patients showed significantly poorer OHRQoL than controls, with higher OHIP-14 scores (15.03±9.42 vs. 10.3±9.26; P=0.002), where higher scores indicate worse OHRQoL (P<0.001). The mean DMFT score was also higher in the PD group (3.25) compared to controls (2.66), with a significant difference (P=0.007). Additionally, a positive correlation between the disease duration and OHIP-14 scores indicated that the longer disease duration, the worse OHRQoL (P=0.002). Conclusion: This study highlights the need for integrated medical and dental care for patients with Parkinson’s disease. The relationship between disease progression and oral health significantly affects their overall quality of life.