Subgingival microbial diversity and respiratory decline: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

AbstractAimTo investigate whether there is an association between subgingival microbial diversity and reduced respiratory function.Materials and MethodsA group of dentate 58–72‐year‐old men in Northern Ireland had a comprehensive periodontal examination including subgingival plaque sampling. DNA was extracted from plaque samples and the V1–V3 regions of the 16S rRNA gene were analysed by high‐throughput sequencing and a microbial diversity index (MDI) was derived. Spirometry measurements were made using a wedge bellows spirometer. The primary outcome variable of interest was the percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (% predicted FEV1). Analysis included multiple linear regression with adjustment for various confounders.ResultsFive‐hundred and seven men were included in the analysis. The mean age was 63.6 years (SD = 3.1). Of these, 304 (60.0%) men had no or mild periodontitis, 105 (20.7%) had moderate periodontitis and 98 (19.3%) had severe periodontitis. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that a one unit increase in MDI was associated with a 0.71% loss (95% confidence interval: 0.06%–1.35%; p = .03) in % predicted FEV1 after adjustment for all confounders.ConclusionsIn this group of dentate men from Northern Ireland, subgingival microbial diversity was associated with reduced respiratory function.