Summary
This observational cohort study of 37,801 dental patients from Amsterdam examined whether periodontitis co-occurs with systemic diseases and identified distinct multimorbidity patterns. Individuals with periodontitis showed significantly elevated odds of comorbidity (adjusted OR 1.36) and multimorbidity (adjusted OR 1.18) across multiple systemic disease categories. Four disease clusters emerged, with cluster 1 representing periodontal and systemic health, and clusters 2–3 characterised by both periodontitis and respiratory, immune, or digestive system diseases.
UK applicability
The findings are potentially applicable to UK dental and primary care settings, as periodontitis prevalence and systemic disease patterns are likely comparable in developed healthcare systems. However, the study was conducted in a dental school population and may not represent population-level risk profiles; UK-specific research would be needed to validate these associations in diverse primary care populations.
Key measures
Adjusted odds ratios (OR) for comorbidity and multimorbidity in periodontitis patients; cluster analysis profiles; prevalence of co-occurring systemic diseases; demographic characteristics (age, sex, socio-economic position); lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol use, addictive substance use)
Outcomes reported
The study assessed the prevalence and patterns of comorbidity and multimorbidity in individuals with periodontitis, identifying four distinct disease clusters. It examined associations between periodontitis and systemic diseases, adjusted for demographic and lifestyle factors.
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