Association between periodontitis and physical fitness in law enforcement workers

Oral and periodontal health have been linked to systemic health, cardiovascular disease and inflammation markers. Physical fitness has been linked to increased inflammatory response, but only few studies have investigated the association between oral health with physical activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between oral and periodontal health status and physical fitness in British law enforcement workers.

89 subjects were recruited between November and December 2019. Cardiopulmonary fitness was measured by Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO_2max) (ml/kg/min) and Maximum Load (Load_max) (W) generated at the end of the Bruce incremental treadmill test; physical activity levels through accelerometers; functional strength tests by Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Power (W) and Height (cm) average. Oral variables included percentage of sites with PPD > 4 mm (% PPD > 4), full-mouth bleeding score (FMBS) and Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Linear regression models were adjusted for age, gender and fat %.

Mean age was 41.5 years (range 23-61; 71.9% male). Higher % PPD > 4 was consistently correlated with lower Load_max (-4.96; p = 0.092), CMJ Height average (-0.39; p = 0.064), and press-ups in 60 s (-0.85; p = 0.052) though the associations were not statistically significant. FMBS was associated with the % of a day spent in sedentary (0.78; p = 0.030) and light activities (-0.75; p = 0.022).

Periodontitis may be negatively associated with certain components of physical performance.

Oral health status may be associated with physical fitness and functional strength.