Relationship between periodontitis and cerebral atrophy: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition caused by the bacterial infection of the gums that leads to tissue destruction, bone loss and tooth loss. Various risk factors, including smoking, age, diabetes, and obesity, contribute to its development and progression. Recent studies have revealed systemic effects of periodontitis, linking it to diabetes, atherosclerosis, stroke, and dementia.

Objectives: The study aimed to assess the relationship between periodontitis and cerebral atrophy, an indirect marker of brain health.

Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the association between cerebral atrophy and periodontitis. A total of 166 participants were included in the study. All individuals underwent computed tomography (CT) of the head and a full-mouth periodontal assessment to verify if they met the diagnostic criteria for periodontitis. They also underwent a complete neurological examination to rule out dementia.

Results: Sixty-four patients (38.6%) had periodontitis, 85 individuals (51.2%) had cerebral atrophy, and 43 patients presented with both conditions. The study sample included 89 females (53.6%), and the median age of the participants was 67 ±10 years. Patients diagnosed with periodontitis showed a higher grade of cerebral atrophy, as measured using the global cortical atrophy (GCA) scale. An independent association was identified between periodontitis and cerebral atrophy (odds ratio (OR): 2.56; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.29-5.07).

Conclusions: Cerebral atrophy, even in the absence of cognitive decline, is significantly associated with periodontitis.

Keywords: cerebral atrophy; dementia; periodontitis.