Association between periodontitis and prostate cancer: A case–control study

Periodontitis is an infectious disease that affects the supporting structures of the teeth. It has been characterized as a chronic inflammatory stimulus with potential risk for the occurrence or worsening of the clinical course of cancer. We evaluated the potential relationship between periodontitis and prostate cancer, as well as their shared risk factors, in a case-control study comprising 372 male individuals. The participants were recruited in a urology outpatient clinic and underwent a complete periodontal examination. The results showed that individuals with prostate cancer presented a worse periodontal status and a higher prevalence and severity of periodontitis. Prostate cancer was mainly associated with educational level, smoking, alcohol consumption, and periodontitis. Individuals with periodontitis were 1.8 times more likely to have prostate cancer. Prostate-specific antigen levels in individuals with periodontitis were also significantly higher. We concluded that periodontitis was associated with the occurrence of prostate cancer. Therefore, males diagnosed with periodontitis would potentially benefit from being screened for prostate alterations.