Periodontal parameters and tooth loss were associated with C-reactive protein and leukocyte counts in adult population aged 50 or older

Abstract

The association between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has received considerable attention. This study investigated the correlation between tooth loss (the chief clinical parameter of periodontal disease) and systemic biomarkers of CVD, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and leukocyte (WBC) counts, in Koreans aged 50 years or older. A cross-sectional data of 5,322 participants was obtained from the 2008 to 2010 Dong-gu Study. Oral examination, survey questionnaire, physical examination, and biochemical assessments were performed. Oral examinations were completed in all dentate participants, and included the percentage of sites with ≥ 4 mm of probing depth (PD4%), clinical attachment level ≥ 4 mm (CAL4%), and bleeding on probing (BOP%). The number of missing teeth was categorized as 0-7, 8-15, 16-31, and edentulous. The serum CRP levels and WBC counts were assessed. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed after adjusting for other potential confounders, to evaluate the association between the clinical parameters of periodontal disease, CRP levels and WBC counts. In the fully adjusted model, PD4%, BOP% and the number of missing teeth positively correlated with the CRP levels (p < 0.05), but CAL4% did not. The PD4%, CAL4%, and BOP% (p < 0.05) were concomitant with the WBC counts, but the number of missing teeth was not. The clinical parameters of periodontal disease and tooth loss directly correlated with CRP levels and WBC count in adults aged 50 years and above. This association indicates the potential significance of periodontal inflammatory burden for systemic inflammation.