Association between individual and mixed volatile organic compounds and periodontitis

Abstract

This study endeavored to elucidate the association between exposure to individual and combined volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the occurrence of periodontitis in adults. Data were derived from the 2009–2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Weighted logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analyses were employed to assess the relationship between blood VOC concentrations and periodontitis. Significant positive associations were observed for benzene, furan, 2,5-dimethylfuran, ethylbenzene, m-/p-xylene, and o-xylene, with adjusted odds ratios (ORs) ranging from 1.44 to 2.31. RCS analyses demonstrated linear associations for benzene, furan, 2,5-dimethylfuran, m-/p-xylene, and 1,4-dichlorobenzene, whereas ethylbenzene and o-xylene exhibited nonlinear associations. In addition, weighted quantile sum regression revealed that cumulative VOC exposure was positively associated with periodontitis, with 2,5-dimethylfuran, ethylbenzene, benzene, and furan identified as the most influential contributors. Collectively, these findings suggested that VOC exposure possibly plays a substantive role in the pathogenesis and progression of periodontitis, underscoring the need for strategies aimed at reducing environmental VOC exposure as part of comprehensive preventive and therapeutic public health measures.