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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

George W. Taylor, DMD, DrPH, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, 1011 N. University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, 734-764-1737, gwt@umich.edu

Evidence from epidemiological observational and clinical intervention studies suggests periodontal diseases and other aspects of poorer oral health contribute to certain diseases and conditions, including: glycemic control and complications of diabetes; cardiovascular diseases and events (CVD); adverse pregnancy outcomes; and pneumonia. This presentation will review the current state of the evidence supporting these relationships from an epidemiological perspective. Diabetes: cumulative evidence from 2 longitudinal studies, 17 intervention studies, and a meta-analysis suggests that periodontal infection may have an adverse effect on glycemic control; however the evidence is not yet definitive. Additionally, 2 studies suggest periodontal infection is associated with increased risk for DM complications. CVD: the cumulative evidence from approximately 42 cross-sectional, case-control, and longitudinal studies as well as a meta-analysis suggests periodontal disease significantly increases risk for CVD. To date there are no reports of intervention studies to determine if treating periodontal disease reduces the risk for CVD. Adverse pregnancy outcomes linked to periodontal disease include preterm birth, low birth weight, miscarriage or early pregnancy loss, and pre-eclampsia. Eighteen of approximately 25 studies on these relationships support an association for periodontal disease. The evidence base includes case control, cohort, and intervention studies as well as a meta-analysis. Additionally NIDCR has funded 2 multicenter randomized clinical trails to assess this relationship. Pneumonia has been linked to aspiration of oral-pharyngeal secretions and poor oral health. There is a growing body of observational and interventional evidence that poor oral health increases pneumonia risk and improving oral health reduces that risk.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session the participant (learner) will be able to

• List 4 systemic diseases/conditions for which evidence suggest poor oral health may have a causal role in increased risk.
• Describe the current strength of the evidence for the role of oral diseases and oral health care in certain adverse health outcomes associated with these diseases/conditions. diseases/conditions.

Keywords: Oral Health Outcomes, Chronic Diseases

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation