Oral health-related quality of life and oral function in patients with metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease.

Aim of the study: Patients with metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) frequently experience periodontal diseases, but little is known about oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Additionally, oral functions and the association between oral functions and MASLD remain unknown. Material and methods: The study included 19 MASLD patients and 26 control subjects. OHRQoL was assessed using the General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Additionally, oral hygiene, periodontal conditions, and oral functions, including numbers of functional and dysfunctional teeth, were examined. Results: All MASLD patients were in the early stage of liver fibrosis and reported lower OHRQoL, particularly in physical components, including biting and chewing, and fluent speech. However, objective examinations revealed no significant differences in chewing and tongue pressure between MASLD and control subjects. Oral diadochokinesis also showed no significant difference. In contrast, MASLD patients exhibited fewer functional teeth, poorer oral hygiene, and more deteriorated periodontal condition. A reduced number of teeth was associated with MASLD, independent of periodontitis. Conclusions: MASLD patients reported lower OHRQoL and perceived impaired oral functions before actual functional loss occurred. A decreased number of functional teeth was associated with the presence of MASLD.