The impact of periodontal therapy on respiratory health: an intervention study

<bold>Background:</bold> Periodontitis is an inflammatory chronic disease of infectious origin, and the oral inflammatory bacteria may affect the lungs. However, little is known about the impact of periodontal therapy on respiratory health. <bold>Objective:</bold> To evaluate the impact of periodontal therapy on respiratory health. <bold>Methods:</bold> Sixty-two periodontitis patients, never-smokers and free from any other medical conditions, were recruited to this investigator-masked clinical trial. Periodontal parameters were assessed by full-mouth periodontal recording of periodontal pockets, clinical attachment loss, and bleeding on probing. Periodontal therapy was based on a full-mouth disinfection protocol. Airway resistance (Rrs) and reactance (Xrs) were recorded by Forced Oscillation Technique (FOT), and FEV₁, FVC and the ratio FEV₁/FVC were recorded with spirometry. Lung function variables were collected at baseline, three- and six weeks following therapy. Full-mouth periodontal recordings were performed at baseline and six weeks following therapy. <bold>Main results:</bold> Mean age was 35.8 years; 21% had stage I periodontitis, 66% in Stage II and 13% in Stage III. All periodontal parameters improved following therapy (p<0.001) Airway resistance at 11 and 19Hz decreased with 4.7% and 5.4%, respectively (both p<0.05). A trend indicating a 3.4% decrease was noted for R₅ (p=0.054). No statistically significant differences were observed in spirometric variables following periodontal therapy. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> A statistically significant decrease in airway resistance was found after periodontal therapy. These findings suggest the value of periodontal infection control in the context of respiratory health management.