Relationship between periodontitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: periodontitis is a common condition and is the second largest oral health problem worldwide. Its prevalence and severity increase with age. Some studies suggest a pathophysiological link with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a non-communicable respiratory condition responsible for morbidity, mortality and disability, a controversial topic, little studied in Cuba. Both diseases share risk factors and constitute public health problems.

Objective: to describe the relationship between periodontitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Methods: systematic search in the databases Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Lilacs, Ebsco, PEDro and Google academic literature metasearch that included the MeSH terms: periodontitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, risk factor and exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 15 studies in Spanish and English, published since 2012, were selected.

Development: of the articles consulted, 14 described a close relationship between periodontitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, from different points of view. It was proposed that the local and systemic inflammatory response may be induced by age, smoking habit, periodontal microbiota, deep pockets, high index of dental plaque, not going to the professional, not receiving periodontal treatment, low level of health education and tooth loss.

Conclusions: most authors propose that periodontitis is a possible risk factor in the evolution of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, that its severity determines the frequency of complications of this respiratory disease, although there are controversial aspects yet to be investigated.