Periodontitis is associated with airflow obstruction in the Malmö Offspring Dental Study

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Aim To investigate the association between periodontitis and lung function in the Malmö Offspring Dental Study. Materials and Methods In all 1001 individuals (49.9% female, mean age: 44.6) from Malmö Offspring Dental Study were included. Periodontitis was assessed by a full‐mouth examination protocol including bleeding on probing and classified according to the American Academy of Periodontology/Center for Disease Control definitions. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV 1 ) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were expressed as absolute values and %predicted according to Global Lung Function Initiative reference values. FEV 1 , FVC and FEV 1 /FVC were analysed in relation to periodontal status using linear regression. Results Severe periodontitis was found in 7% of the population. Adjusted regression models showed significant associations between lung function and severe periodontitis with 2.1 unit lower FEV 1 /FVC ratio (95% CI: −3.91, –0.23) and odds ratio (adjusted) of 2.56 (95% CI: 1.40, 4.75, p = .003) for airflow obstruction (FEV 1 /FVC less than the lower limit of normal) if having severe periodontitis. Lower values of %predicted FEV 1 and %predicted FVC, but not FEV 1 /FVC, were found in individuals with >25% bleeding on probing. Conclusions Severe periodontitis was associated with lower FEV 1 /FVC ratio and airflow obstruction in the present cohort. More large‐scale prospective studies and intervention studies are required for a comprehensive evaluation.