Lifestyle, caries, and apical periodontitis: Results from a university-based cross-sectional study

Lifestyle factors significantly influence the development of inflammatory diseases, and emerging evidence suggests they may also impact oral health. However, no studies have explored their role in apical periodontitis (AP) amongst adults. This study aimed to assess the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), physical activity, perceived stress, and sleep quality with the periapical and caries status in a university-based cohort.

A total of 149 periodontally healthy patients were included in the study. Clinical assessments and radiographic examinations [Orthopantomography (opt) and periapical radiographs] were conducted to evaluate the periapical status. Data on their periapical index (PAI) score and the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index were recorded. Validated questionnaires were used to investigate patient's lifestyles. A final logistic regression model was performed for the multivariable analysis to evaluate the predictive ability of adherence to Mediterranean lifestyle on the presence of AP; other local, systemic and environmental factors were included as independent factors in the model.

Significant associations were observed between AP and high/low adherence to the MD (p = .00), high/low-moderate physical activity (p = .00), high/low sleep quality (p = .00) and high/low perceived stress (p = .00). The final multivariable regression model showed that low adherence to MD (OR = 3.68; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.24-10.83; p = . 01) and reduced sleep quality (OR = 3.04; 95% CI: 1.42-6.50; p = .00) were identified as potential risk factors for AP development. On the other hand, the DMFT index showed no significant association with lifestyle factors (OR = 1.0; CI: 1.01-1.14; p = .02) but was correlated with the development of AP (OR = 1.07; CI: 1.01-1.14; p = .02).

Results from the present study suggest a potential association between low adherence to MD and reduced sleep quality with the development of AP. Individuals with low adherence to MD and inadequate sleep quality faced respectively 4-fold and 3-fold increased odds of developing periapical lesions. Further research is essential to elucidate the causal mechanisms underlying these associations and to determine whether lifestyle adjustments could improve endodontic success rate.