The Association Between High Cholesterol Levels and Severity of Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a common inflammatory condition affecting tooth-supporting structures, leading to tooth loss and is linked to systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease. Objectives: To examine the association between high cholesterol levels and periodontitis severity in a sample from Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at De' Montmorency College of Dentistry, Lahore, over six months. A total of 154 participants aged ≥40 years with periodontitis symptoms and without any systemic diseases were included. Participants were grouped based on the severity of periodontal disease status into no periodontitis group, mild disease group, moderate disease group, and severe periodontitis. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for lipid profile parameters. Multivariable regression analyses were performed, adjusting for age, gender, BMI, smoking, alcohol use, and exercise, to evaluate associations between lipid levels and periodontitis severity. Results: Severe periodontitis was found in 58 participants (37.7%). Multivariable regression indicated an inversely associated link between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in blood and disease severity (p<0.05). Lower total cholesterol and higher triglyceride levels were associated with severe periodontitis (p<0.05). Logistic regression showed that participants with severe periodontitis had significantly higher values of the odds ratio of decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.05–1.72), total cholesterol (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.02–1.55), and triglyceride levels (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.12–1.96). Conclusions: It was concluded that severe periodontitis is greatly linked with lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and elevated triglyceride and total cholesterol levels, suggesting that periodontal health may influence lipid profile and increase cardiovascular disease risk.