Gum disease linked to blocked airways, raising cross-sector health risks
Researchers found that severe periodontitis more than doubles the risk of airflow obstruction, a key marker of lung disease. The discovery suggests dental and respiratory health are connected—a finding with implications for workplace wellness programs, insurance risk models, and preventive care strategies.
Originaltitel: Periodontitis is associated with airflow obstruction in the Malmö Offspring Dental Study
<p><strong>AIM:</strong> To investigate the association between periodontitis and lung function in the Malmö Offspring Dental Study.</p><p><strong>MATERIALS AND METHODS:</strong> 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 (FEV<sub>1</sub> ) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were expressed as absolute values and %predicted according to Global Lung Function Initiative reference values. FEV<sub>1</sub> , FVC and FEV<sub>1</sub> /FVC were analysed in relation to periodontal status using linear regression.</p><p><strong>RESULTS:</strong> 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 FEV<sub>1</sub> /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 (FEV<sub>1</sub> /FVC less than the lower limit of normal) if having severe periodontitis. Lower values of %predicted FEV<sub>1</sub> and %predicted FVC, but not FEV<sub>1</sub> /FVC, were found in individuals with >25% bleeding on probing.</p><p><strong>CONCLUSIONS:</strong> Severe periodontitis was associated with lower FEV<sub>1</sub> /FVC ratio and airflow obstruction in the present cohort. More large-scale prospective studies and intervention studies are required for a comprehensive evaluation.</p>