Association Between Systemic Health Indicators and Periodontal Disease in Korean Adults: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

This study investigated the association between periodontal disease and systemic health indicators in Korean adults, based on the hypothesis that shared inflammatory pathways may underlie the link between oral and systemic health. Although numerous studies have investigated the association between periodontal disease and systemic health, few have utilized nationally representative data from Korean adults. This study used data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, including 1324 participants aged ≥40 years. Systemic health indicators were obtained through physical measurements and biochemical tests. Periodontal disease was evaluated using the Community Periodontal Index, and associations were examined using logistic regression analysis. The weighted prevalence of periodontal disease was 48.3% in men and 38.1% in women. Among men, fasting blood glucose (OR = 1.20) and glycated hemoglobin (OR = 1.32) were significantly associated with periodontal disease. In women, fasting blood glucose (OR = 1.15) and glycated hemoglobin (OR = 1.21) also showed significant associations. Glucose-related indicators demonstrated the most consistent associations across sexes. These findings highlight the association between glycemic control and periodontal disease, and suggest that sex-specific patterns may exist, which could be explored in future research.