Investigating the Link Between Oral Health Conditions and Systemic Diseases: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract

This study investigates the association between oral health issues, specifically periodontitis and dental caries, and systemic health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. The goal is to determine the strength of these associations using statistical analysis. We conducted a cross-sectional study utilizing the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2017-2020, focusing on 13,772 adults with complete data on oral and systemic health variables. Oral health indicators were periodontitis and dental caries, while systemic health variables included diabetes and hypertension. The statistical analysis involved Cramer's V to assess the strength of associations between these health conditions. The study found statistically significant associations between oral and systemic health conditions. There was a moderate association between periodontitis and diabetes (Cramer's V = 0.14) and a moderate association between dental caries and hypertension (Cramer's V = 0.12). The results underscore the interconnected nature of oral and systemic health, suggesting that poor oral health can be an indicator of broader health issues. These associations could guide integrated health care strategies, emphasizing the need for dental health evaluations in patients with diabetes and hypertension.