The Interplay Between Periodontitis, Caries and Dental Restorations in an Adult Population

To explore the local co-occurrence patterns between caries and periodontal parameters (probing depth [PD] and clinical attachment loss [CAL]) and assess whether restorations/caries are spatially associated with poorer periodontal outcomes in a German adult population.

Cross-sectional data from the German Oral Health Study (DMS V, 2014), consisting of 966 adults (35-44 years old) and 1042 seniors (65-75 years old), were analysed. Periodontal examinations were conducted on 12 index teeth (three surfaces), while caries status was evaluated across all tooth surfaces. The relationship between periodontal health and caries was analysed using hierarchical regression models.

Strong associations were found between filled surfaces and increased PD and CAL at both tooth and surface levels. In seniors, crowns and fillings were associated with higher PD (β = 0.330-0.372) and CAL (β = 0.207-0.368). Surface-level analyses also showed that early caries lesions were correlated with worse periodontal outcomes (PD: β = 0.224-0.591; CAL: β = 0.167-0.744).

The findings suggest that early caries lesions and restorations may be linked to poorer periodontal health. These associations were consistent across different surfaces and age groups, highlighting a potential spatial link between caries and periodontal disease.