Osteoarthritis and Periodontal disease - Is there an association?

Chronic inflammation is thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of both periodontal disease (PD) and osteoarthritis (OA). Increased blood levels of pro inflammatory mediators such as IL-6, TNF alpha, and C-reactive protein have been documented in adults with OA and PD. Both PD and OA are also associated with diabetes, CVD, obesity, and other pro inflammatory conditions. However, the link between OA and PD remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the association between OA and PD in a US nationally representative population of 2770 adults aged ≥50 years, and free of rheumatoid arthritis. Information on demographics, lifestyle factors,  and medical history were drawn from the household adult interview questionnaire. OA was ascertained via self-reported physician diagnosis. Physical examination data were used to assess PD severity and body mass index (BMI). Logistic regression was used to evaluate the independent association of OA to PD. All analyses were adjusted for demographics, lifestyle factors, BMI, and medical history. Reported osteoarthritis was not significantly associated with any PD category (odds ratio’s (OR’s) for mild, moderate, and severe PD, respectively = 1.02 (95% confidence interval (CI) - 0.62, 1.66); 0.31 (CI - 0.08, 1.23); 0.66 (CI - 0.15, 2.83); P for trend=0.28). Findings from this cross-sectional study do not provide evidence for an association between PD and OA. Prospective research and studies using clinical criteria for diagnosis of symptomatic OA are needed to confirm these findings.