The relationship between different types of caries and periodontal disease severity in middle-aged and elderly people: findings from the 4th National Oral Health Survey of China

Li Xia Yu,Bo Wang,Yan Si,Wei Jian Wang,Huan Cai Lin,Chun Xiao Wang,Xue Nan Liu,Xi Ping Feng,Shu Guo Zheng,Xing Wang,Wen Sheng Rong,Bao Jun Tai,De Yu Hu

doi:10.1186/s12903-021-01585-1

Abstract

BackgroundThe relationship between dental caries and periodontal disease is still controversial. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between different types of caries and periodontal disease severity in middle-aged and elderly people in China.MethodsThe study population consisted of 4407 middle-aged and 4117 elderly subjects. Caries were divided into the following three types: type A, crown caries; type B, lesions involving both the crown and root, representing mixed-type caries; and type C, root caries. These three types together represent the overall caries situation, which we call type ABC. Caries were quantitated by decayed and filled teeth (DFT index). Periodontitis was evaluated by clinical attachment loss.ResultsMiddle-aged people with periodontitis had a significant association with DFT type B (OR: 1.21, 95% CI 1.17–1.25) and type C (OR: 1.40, 95% CI 1.24–1.56). Elderly people with periodontitis had a significant association with DFT type C (OR: 1.28, 95% CI 1.21–1.35).ConclusionsIn China, caries types B/C were positively correlated with periodontitis in the middle-aged group, and only caries type C was positively correlated with periodontitis in the elderly group.

Highlights

The relationship between dental caries and periodontal disease is still controversial
Area, education level, household income per capita, toothbrushing frequency, use of dental floss, use of a toothpick, smoking status, alcohol consumption, diabetes and caries types (A/B/C/ABC) were associated with periodontal disease severity (P ≤ 0.25)
People with periodontitis had a significant association with Decayed and filled teeth (DFT) type C (OR: 1.28, 95% CI 1.21–1.35)

Summary

Introduction

The relationship between dental caries and periodontal disease is still controversial. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between different types of caries and periodontal disease severity in middle-aged and elderly people in China. Dental caries and periodontitis are the most common diseases in the oral cavity among adults. Both diseases are the primary cause of tooth loss and can lead to negative impacts on quality of life. A negative association has been reported between salivary levels of S. mutans and P. gingivalis in subjects with varying severities of caries and periodontitis, indicating that an inverse correlation exists between the two diseases [13]

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