Association between volatile organic compounds exposure and periodontitis: A representative cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Oral Health
• Toxicology

Background:

• Periodontitis is a common oral disease and a leading cause of adult tooth loss.
• Environmental pollution is associated with periodontitis, but the role of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between blood VOC levels and periodontitis prevalence.
• To identify specific VOCs associated with periodontitis and explore potential mediating factors.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data (2011-2014).
• Analysis of blood VOC levels and periodontitis in 2772 participants.
• Weighted logistic regression, restricted cubic spline (RCS), and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression models were employed.

Main Results:

• Increased 1,4-dichlorobenzene levels were associated with a 16% higher odds of periodontitis.
• 1,4-dichlorobenzene was the primary contributor to the association between co-exposed VOCs and periodontitis.
• Total bilirubin mediated 4.32% of the association between 1,4-dichlorobenzene and periodontitis; o-xylene's effect was stronger in younger adults (<65).

Conclusions:

• This study provides evidence linking specific VOCs, notably 1,4-dichlorobenzene, to periodontitis.
• VOC exposure is a public health concern requiring further investigation into mechanisms linking VOCs and periodontitis.