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The association between alveolar bone loss and pulmonary function: the VA Dental Longitudinal Study
1VA Normative Aging Study, VA Outpatient Clinic, Boston, MA, USA. chayes@infonet.tufts.edu
Annals of Periodontology
|September 2, 1998
Summary
Periodontal disease, indicated by alveolar bone loss (ABL), significantly increases the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in men. This oral health condition independently predicts future COPD development.
Area of Science:
- Oral health and respiratory medicine
- Epidemiology
- Periodontology
Background:
- The link between oral health and systemic medical outcomes remains incompletely understood.
- Periodontal disease is a common oral condition characterized by inflammation and bone loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between periodontal disease, assessed by radiographic alveolar bone loss (ABL), and the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Main Methods:
- An epidemiological study using data from the VA Dental Longitudinal Study.
- Alveolar bone loss (ABL) was measured using periapical films and a Schei ruler over a 25-year follow-up period.
- Logistic regression analysis, controlling for smoking, age, and alcohol consumption, was used to assess risk.
Main Results:
- Individuals with higher levels of alveolar bone loss (ABL) at baseline had a significantly increased risk of developing COPD.
- Subjects in the highest quintile of bone loss (>20% per site) showed a 1.8-fold increased risk (95% CI = 1.3, 2.5).
- Alveolar bone loss (ABL) was identified as an independent risk factor for COPD.
Conclusions:
- Increased alveolar bone loss (ABL) is associated with a heightened risk for developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Oral health, specifically periodontal disease, may play a role in the pathogenesis or progression of COPD.