Association between individual and mixed volatile organic compounds and periodontitis

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Oral Health
• Toxicology

Background:

• Periodontitis is a common inflammatory disease affecting gums and supporting bone.
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are widespread environmental pollutants with potential health implications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between exposure to individual and combined volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and periodontitis in adults.
• To identify specific VOCs contributing to periodontitis risk.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the 2009-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
• Employed weighted logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analyses to assess VOC-periodontitis relationships.
• Applied weighted quantile sum regression to evaluate cumulative VOC exposure effects.

Main Results:

• Significant positive associations found between periodontitis and exposure to benzene, furan, 2,5-dimethylfuran, ethylbenzene, m-/p-xylene, and o-xylene.
• RCS analyses indicated linear associations for several VOCs and nonlinear associations for others.
• Cumulative VOC exposure was positively linked to periodontitis, with 2,5-dimethylfuran, ethylbenzene, benzene, and furan being key contributors.

Conclusions:

• Volatile organic compound (VOC) exposure may play a significant role in the development and progression of periodontitis.
• Findings highlight the importance of reducing environmental VOC exposure for public health, including oral health.
• Public health strategies should consider VOC reduction in the prevention and treatment of periodontitis.