Pseudotumor cerebri and oral health: a cross-sectional comparison with healthy individuals

Introduction This study examined the oral health status of patients with pseudotumor cerebri and compared it with that of healthy individuals. Methods This was a descriptive-analytical, comparative study conducted in 2025. Twenty-five patients with pseudotumor cerebri who underwent surgical intervention at Al-Zahra Hospital in Isfahan over the past ten years were selected. The control group included 75 healthy individuals without known systemic diseases, matched to the patient group by age and gender at a 3:1 ratio. The OHIP-49 and the OHQoL questionnaires were used to assess and compare oral health status between the two groups. Results Statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of BMI, smoking status, and scores on DMFT, SXI D, CODS, OHIP-49, OHQoL, gingivitis, and MMO ( P < 0.05). A significantly higher proportion of patients with pseudotumor cerebri were smokers, and their DMFT scores were markedly higher than those in the healthy group ( P < 0.05). Within the pseudotumor cerebri group, a larger number of patients exhibited MMO ≤ 35 mm and had lower average MMO values overall. The Mirror Friction Test indicated greater oral friction in this group. Additionally, both OHIP-49 and OHQoL scores reflected significantly lower oral health–related quality of life. Gingivitis was also more prevalent in the pseudotumor cerebri group compared with the control group ( P < 0.05). Conclusion The findings suggest that individuals with pseudotumor cerebri experience more oral health complications, including dental caries and periodontal disease, than healthy individuals. These issues may be exacerbated by medication-related side effects, such as xerostomia and reduced salivary flow, as well as lifestyle changes and suboptimal oral hygiene practices. Moreover, the higher BMI observed in patients with pseudotumor cerebri may indirectly contribute to their increased risk of oral health problems.