Association between periodontitis and dental caries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Recent evidence suggested a link between periodontitis (PD) and dental caries, but the trends and nature of this association remained unclear. The overall aim of this study was to critically assess the correlation of two disorders.

A comprehensive search was conducted within the PUBMED and EMBASE databases including grey literatures up to July 5th, 2023. The Newcastle–Ottawa scale was used to qualitatively evaluate the risk of bias.

Overall, 18 studies were included. In terms of caries risk in PD patients, the prevalence of caries was increased by PD (OR = 1.57, 95%CI:1.20–2.07), both in crown (OR = 1.03, 95%CI:1.01–1.05) and root caries (OR = 2.10, 95%CI:1.03–4.29). Odds of caries were also raised by PD severity (OR _moderate = 1.38, 95%CI:1.15–1.66; OR _severe = 2.14, 95%CI:1.74–2.64). Besides, patients with PD exhibited a higher mean number of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) and decayed and filled root teeth (DFR) [weighted mean difference (WMD)_DMFT = 0.87, 95%CI: -0.03–1.76; WMD_DFR = 1.13, 95%CI: 0.48–1.78]. Likewise, patients with caries had an elevated risk of PD (OR = 1.79, 95%CI:1.36–2.35). However, Streptococcus mutans, one of the main pathogens of caries, was negatively correlated with several main pathogens of periodontitis.

This study indicated a positive correlation between dental caries and periodontitis clinically, while the two disease-associated pathogens were antagonistic.

Further research, including clinical cohort studies and mechanisms of pathogens interaction is needed on this link for better prevention and treatment of PD and caries. In addition, innovative prevention strategies need to be developed and incorporated in dental practices to prevent these two highly prevalent oral diseases.