Association between ethylene oxide exposure and periodontitis: a cross-sectional study from NHANES 2013-2014

Exposure to ethylene oxide (EO) induces inflammation and oxidative stress, which are the main mechanisms of periodontitis. However, the effect of EO on periodontal health is not unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore the relationship between EO exposure and the risk of periodontitis in general US adults.

Data used in our study from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2014. The EO biomarker, hemoglobin adduct of EO (HbEO), was measured in blood samples utilizing high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Periodontitis category was defined by the CDC/AAP according to clinical periodontal parameters. Natural cubic spline, weight multivariable logistic regression analyses and subgroup analysis were used to explore the association between EO exposure and the risk of periodontitis.

A total of 1497 participants over the age of 30 were included in our study. A non-linear positive association with periodontitis was identified for HbEO levels. Participants in the highest tertile of HbEO levels were more likely to have poorer periodontal health compared to the lowest tertile (OR_tertile3vs1 = 2.80, 95% CI: 1.85-4.24). Similar results were also found in different subgroups.

HbEO levels are positively associated with poor periodontal health in US adults. Additional longitudinal studies are necessary to further enhance our comprehension of the impact of exposure to EO on periodontal status.