Periodontal Diseases and the Risk of Metabolic Syndrome: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies (predominantly cross-sectional and case-control studies)
PubMed 32582028 · doi:10.3389/fendo.2020.00336
What was done
Authors searched PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, CNKI, and Wanfang through August 2019 for original studies evaluating the association between periodontitis and metabolic syndrome (MetS). They identified 43 eligible observational studies (32 cross-sectional, 8 case-control, and 3 cohort studies). Pooled crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated across 39 studies providing sufficient data, with subgroup analyses by diagnostic method and country.
What was found
In the meta-analysis of 39 studies, periodontitis was significantly associated with MetS: - Pooled crude OR: 1.99 (95% CI: 1.75–2.25) - Pooled adjusted OR: 1.46 (95% CI: 1.31–1.61) Subgroup analyses by country showed consistent positive associations: - China: pooled OR 2.29 (95% CI: 1.53–3.41) - Korea: pooled OR 1.81 (95% CI: 1.35–2.42) - USA: pooled OR 1.75 (95% CI: 1.31–2.34) - Japan: pooled OR 1.68 (95% CI: 1.41–2.00)
Why it matters
This meta-analysis demonstrates a consistent international association between periodontal disease and metabolic syndrome. It supports the rationale for metabolic risk assessment in dental patients and oral health evaluations in individuals with metabolic dysfunction.
Limits
The evidence base is overwhelmingly cross-sectional (32 of 43 studies), precluding causal inference or establishment of temporal sequence. The total participant sample size, specific adjustment variables, and statistical heterogeneity metrics were not reported in the abstract. Diagnostic definitions for periodontitis and MetS varied across included studies.
Cited by
- supports Periodontal disease is linked to an increased risk for metabolic problems, coronary artery disease, and Alzheimer's disease.