Causal relationship between periodontitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

CONTEXT: Recently, it has been recognized that oral infection, especially periodontitis, may affect the course and pathogenesis of a number of systemic diseases. An association between periodontal disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been observed. AIMS: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential association between periodontal health and COPD and to assess the potential health status of patients with and without COPD. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: In this observational study, the association between periodontal disease and COPD has been assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hundred patients were chosen for the study: group A comprising 50 COPD patients and group B consisting of 50 patients without COPD. Gingival Index (GI) and Papilla Bleeding Index (PBI) were used to assess the gingival status. Periodontal indices included Russell's Periodontal Index (PI) and Periodontal Index for Risk of Infectiousness (PIRI), which were assessed in all 100 patients. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was the statistical analysis used. RESULTS: After eliminating age affects using ANCOVA, the mean indices of all variables between groups were found to be highly significant (P<0.001). The scores were highly significant in COPD group than in non-COPD group. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study show that there is an association between periodontal disease and COPD. It is suggested that periodontitis is one of the risk factors for COPD.