A population-based study on the association between the intake of soft drinks and periodontal disease in Taiwanese adults aged 35–44 years (KCIS no. 33)

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveTo elucidate the association between the intake of soft drinks and periodontal disease (PD) among Taiwanese middle-aged adults.DesignThe cross-sectional design was employed to assess a dose–response relationship between the intake of soft drinks and PD after controlling for relevant confounding factors, with adjusted odds ratios obtained from a multivariate logistic regression model.SettingKeelung Community-based Integrated Screening (KCIS) programme, Keelung, Taiwan.SubjectsParticipants (n 10 213) aged 35–44 years who had undergone oral checks for PD between 2005 and 2009.ResultsA dose–response relationship between the intake of soft drinks and elevated risk for PD defined by community periodontal index ≥3 (the current status of PD) was noted (P=0·02 by trend test). Compared with infrequent intake of soft drinks (≤2 times/week), the adjusted OR increased from 1·05 (95 % CI 0·92, 1·20) for the frequency of 3–4 times/week to 1·17 (95 % CI 1·03, 1·34) for the frequency of ≥5 times/week. A similar trend (P<0·01) was also observed for PD defined by loss of attachment ≥1 (representing the long-term cumulative gum damage due to PD).ConclusionsA dose–response relationship between the intake frequency of soft drinks and PD was observed in Taiwanese middle-aged adults. Such evidence could be used in health promotion to support reductions in soft drink intake.