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Increased physical activity decreases periodontitis risk in men
Anwar T Merchant1, Waranuch Pitiphat, Eric B Rimm
1Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA. amerchan@hsph.harvard.edu
European Journal of Epidemiology
|October 17, 2003
Summary
Regular physical activity is linked to a lower risk of periodontitis. Engaging in more exercise, measured in metabolic equivalents (METs), showed a significant inverse association with developing this gum disease.
Area of Science:
- Oral health research
- Preventive medicine
- Public health
Background:
- Physical activity enhances insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.
- These metabolic improvements may influence the incidence of periodontitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between physical activity and periodontitis risk.
- To determine if lifestyle factors impact periodontal health.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of 39,461 US male health professionals (dentists included).
- Baseline assessment excluded periodontitis, coronary heart disease, and stroke.
- Physical activity and periodontitis assessed via validated questionnaires (METs).
Main Results:
- A 3% decrease in periodontitis risk for every 10-MET increase in physical activity (RR=0.97; 95% CI: 0.95-0.99).
- Highest physical activity quintile showed a 13% lower periodontitis risk (RR=0.87; p-trend=0.02).
- Physically active men exhibited less average bone loss in a subgroup with radiographs (beta=-0.29, p=0.03).
Conclusions:
- Sustained physical activity demonstrates an inverse, linear relationship with periodontitis.
- This association is independent of established risk factors like smoking and diabetes.
- A physically active lifestyle may confer benefits for periodontal health.