Study Suggests Causal Link Between Periodontitis and Kidney Disease

Research from the University of Birmingham School of Dentistry in the United Kingdom suggests a causal effect between periodontal inflammation and kidney function. The findings may lead to better management of patients with chronic kidney disease, as reducing risk factors for periodontitis could offer systemic benefits, as well. Published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, the study, “Oxidative Stress Links Periodontal Inflammation and Renal Function,” builds on pre­vious investigations conducted at the school.

In this latest cross-sectional study, lead author Praveen Sharma, PhD, BDS, MJDF (RCS Eng), FHEA, a clinical lecturer in restorative dentistry at the University of Birmingham School of Dentistry, used dental and biological data from the Renal Impairment in Secondary Care study and structural equation modeling. More than 700 patients with chronic kidney disease were examined using detailed oral and full-body examinations, including blood samples. Participants underwent full-mouth periodontal assessments. 

Results showed that a 10% increase in gingival inflammation reduces kidney function by 3%. The findings also revealed that a 10% reduction in kidney function increases periodontal inflammation by 25%. This effect is mediated by a process called oxidative stress, an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen and the body’s antioxidant capacity, which causes changes on a cellular level. The study indicates that successfully managing periodontal disease may benefit kidney function.  

From Decisions in Dentistry. April 2021;7(4):6.