The Association Between Periodontal Disease and Metabolic Syndrome Among Unites States Adults: Analysis Of NHANES 2013-2014

Studies support a bidirectional relationship between periodontal disease and metabolic syndrome (MetS). In addition to sharing risk factors, it is believed they also share a pathologic role in the development or progression of CVD. A cross-sectional analysis of the 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data was conducted to assess the associations between periodontal disease, metabolic syndrome, and the components that comprise metabolic syndrome (hypertension, reduced HDL, abdominal obesity, elevated blood glucose levels, and elevated triglycerides). Participants aged ≥30 years were eligible. For both MetS and periodontal disease, statistically significant associations were observed in all of the selected participant demographic characteristics. Despite existing evidence suggesting a bidirectional relationship between periodontal disease and MetS and the five metabolic risk factors that comprise MetS, no statistically significant associations could be determined in this analysis. The present article presents an overview of the evidence linking periodontitis with selected systemic diseases and calls for increased cooperation between medical and oral healthcare providers to provide optimal screening, treatment, and prevention of both periodontitis and its comorbidities.