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Published on: December 31, 2017
Oral Microbial and Systemic Lipid Profiles in Patients With Asymptomatic Retained Partially Erupted Third Molars: A
Kamis Gaballah1,2, Priyadharshini Sekar2, Duaa Abuzayed1
1Department of Oral and Craniofacial Health Sciences, College of Dental Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE.
Background:
Partially erupted (PE) third molars are frequently retained in the oral cavity and may contribute to localized inflammation. Chronic subclinical inflammation at these sites has been suggested to influence systemic markers such as lipid profiles, potentially increasing cardiovascular risk. Additionally, microbial colonization, particularly by bacteria and Candida species, may exacerbate inflammatory responses.
Objective:
To investigate the lipid panel parameters and oral microbial burden in individuals with PE third molars compared to those with fully erupted (FE) third molars and to assess potential associations with systemic inflammation.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 64 participants aged 20-35 years, divided into two groups: group 1 with PE third molars and group 2 with FE third molars. Fasting lipid profiles were measured using the CardioChek PA Analyzer. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were collected from under the operculum in group 1 and from the gingival sulcus in group 2. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to assess Candida and bacterial load. Statistical analysis included unpaired t-tests and multivariate logistic regression, adjusting for confounders.
Results:
A higher prevalence of elevated total cholesterol (TC) was observed in group 1 (15.63%) compared to group 2, with an odds ratio (OR) of 7.215 (95% CI: 0.992-52.5; p=0.051). Candida presence was significantly greater in PE sites (p=0.0036), though load differences were not statistically significant except in triglyceride (TG)-associated samples. All samples were positive for bacteria; however, bacterial load was unexpectedly higher in FE sites (p=0.0066). Associations between lipid abnormalities and microbial presence were noted but not statistically conclusive.
Conclusion:
PE third molars may be linked to elevated cholesterol levels and increased microbial colonization, particularly by Candida species. While no statistically significant associations were found, the trends suggest a potential inflammatory and metabolic role of third molar retention. Further longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes and detailed microbial profiling are needed to clarify these relationships.
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