Poor Oral Health Magnifies Risk of Metabolic Dysfunction - Associated Steatotic Liver Disease, Independent of Genetic Factors: Study

A new study by Ye et al., published in the Journal of Periodontology (2025), has uncovered a strong connection between oral health and the risk of developing metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Using data from the large-scale UK Biobank, researchers found that individuals with poor oral hygiene or periodontal disease were significantly more likely to develop MASLD. The study emphasized that this link persisted even after accounting for genetic predisposition, suggesting that oral inflammation and metabolic imbalances may jointly contribute to liver disease development.

The analysis revealed that self-reported indicators of poor oral health, such as bleeding or painful gums, were strong predictors of MASLD. Beyond genetics, the findings highlighted the role of metabolic pathways—particularly those involving lipids and triglycerides—in mediating the association. These metabolic disruptions likely reflect systemic inflammation and insulin resistance triggered by chronic oral infections. The researchers proposed that inflammatory markers circulating in the bloodstream may directly influence liver metabolism, thereby worsening fat accumulation in hepatic tissues. This provides new insight into how oral inflammation can translate into metabolic and hepatic dysfunction, extending beyond localized oral pathology.

Ye and colleagues concluded that maintaining good oral hygiene could play an important role in preventing or slowing the progression of MASLD, regardless of one’s genetic risk. The study supports the need for interdisciplinary healthcare approaches where oral and systemic health are jointly managed. Regular dental checkups, improved oral hygiene practices, and early treatment of periodontal disease may be simple yet powerful interventions to reduce liver disease risk. Future studies are encouraged to explore the biological mechanisms linking oral bacteria, lipid metabolism, and liver fat accumulation, as well as to evaluate the impact of periodontal treatment on metabolic liver health outcomes.

Keywords: Oral health, Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease, Periodontal disease, Liver metabolism, Genetic risk, Inflammation, Lipid pathways

Reference

Ye, C., Li, W., Zhang, X., Chen, S., Zhao, L., & Huang, Y. (2025). Genetic susceptibility and metabolic pathways linking oral health to metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease. Journal of Periodontology. Wiley Online Library. https://doi.org/10.1002/jper.70029