Poor periodontal health linked to lower levels of lung function

In all 1001 individuals (49.9% female, mean age: 44.6) from Malmö Offspring Dental Study were included. Periodontitis was assessed by a full-mouth examination protocol including bleeding on probing and classified according to the American Academy of Periodontology/Center for Disease Control definitions. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were expressed as absolute values and %predicted according to Global Lung Function Initiative reference values. FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC were analysed in relation to periodontal status using linear regression.

Results

Severe periodontitis was found in 7% of the population. Adjusted regression models showed significant associations between lung function and severe periodontitis with 2.1 unit lower FEV1/FVC ratio (95% CI: −3.91, –0.23) and odds ratio (adjusted) of 2.56 (95% CI: 1.40, 4.75, p = .003) for airflow obstruction (FEV1/FVC less than the lower limit of normal) if having severe periodontitis. Lower values of %predicted FEV1 and %predicted FVC, but not FEV1/FVC, were found in individuals with >25% bleeding on probing.

Severe periodontitis was associated with lower FEV1/FVC ratio and airflow obstruction in the present cohort. More large-scale prospective studies and intervention studies are required for a comprehensive evaluation.

Reference:

Røsland, A., Bertelsen, R. J., Bunæs, D. F., Drengenes, C., Engström, G., Klinge, B., Lie, S.-A., Nilsson, P. M., Jönsson, D., & Malinovschi, A. (2023). Periodontitis is associated with airflow obstruction in the Malmö Offspring Dental Study. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpe.13886

Keywords:

Poor, periodontal, health, linked, lower, levels, lung function, Journal Of Clinical Periodontology, Røsland, A., Bertelsen, R. J., Bunæs, D. F., Drengenes, C., Engström, G., Klinge, B., Lie, S.-A., Nilsson, P. M., Jönsson, D., & Malinovschi,