Does the guideline-based physical activity level for cardiovascular health also benefit periodontal health?

Abstract

It is unclear about whether the guideline-based physical activity (PA) level for cardiovascular health also benefits periodontal health. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the association between guideline-based PA levels and periodontitis in young adults. This was a cross-sectional study which included 334 military participants, aged 18-44 years in Taiwan. The PA level was assessed by total running time per week (wk) in the past 6 months from a self-reported questionnaire, and was classified as moderate intensity PA <150, 150-299, and ≥300min/wk according to the American guideline for cardiovascular health. Periodontitis was defined based on the 2017 World Workshop. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association with adjustment for age, sex, educational level, tobacco smoking, alcohol intake, body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure and teeth brushing frequency. As compared to the PA: 150-299min/wk, the PA <150min/wk was associated with a greater possibility of periodontitis (odds ratio (OR): 2.45 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.24-4.82), whereas the PA ≥300min/wk was not associated with periodontitis (OR: 0.98 (95% CI: 0.13-1.09)) in young adults. The guideline-based moderate intensity PA level ≥150min/wk is found to have superior periodontal health in young adults. However, there is no additional benefit in more exercise time to obtain better periodontal health when the suggested PA level has been achieved.