Long-term metabolic syndrome is associated with periodontal pockets and alveolar bone loss.

Abstract

To investigate whether the metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with deepened periodontal pockets and alveolar bone loss. This study was based on a subpopulation of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 survey (n=1964). The criteria of the AHA/NHLBI were used to determine MetS. The analyses were based on the metabolic data at ages 31 and 46, and probing pocket depth and alveolar bone level data at age 46. Relative risks (RR, 95% CI) were estimated using Poisson regression models. Relative risks for PD≥4mm and BL≥5mm were higher in individuals with an exposure to MetS≥15years (RR 1.8, 95% CI 1.6-2.1 and RR 1.5, 95% CI 1.3-1.9, respectively) than in those whose exposure was <15years (RR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.3 and RR 1.1, 95% CI 1.0-1.3, respectively). Consistently stronger associations were found in never smokers. Women showed stronger associations of MetS with PD≥4mm than men. The association with BL≥5mm was observed only in men. A long-term exposure by MetS was associated independently and in an exposure-dependent manner with periodontal pockets and alveolar bone level.