Periodontitis is associated with airflow obstruction in the Malmö Offspring Dental Study

Aim: To investigate the association between periodontitis and lung function in the Malmö Offspring Dental Study.

Materials and methods: 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.

Conclusions: 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.