Periodontitis linked to a higher mortality rate in patients with kidney disease

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-02/uob-plt021616.php

Public Release: 18-Feb-2016
Periodontitis linked to a higher mortality rate in patients with kidney disease
University of Birmingham

New findings from the University of Birmingham show that patients with chronic kidney disease patients and periodontitis (severe gum disease) have a higher mortality rate than those with chronic kidney disease alone.

The research, published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, adds to the growing evidence for poor oral health being associated with other chronic diseases.

Data from 13,734 participants in the US-based Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) were analysed to show that individuals with both periodontitis and chronic kidney disease had an all-cause mortality rate of 41% at 10 years, compared to 32% for those with chronic kidney disease alone.

To put this into context, the increase in 10 year mortality associated with diabetes in patients with chronic kidney disease, independent of periodontitis, is from 32% in non-diabetics to 43% in diabetics.

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Professor Iain Chapple, from the University of Birmingham, explained, "It's important to note that oral health isn't just about teeth. The mouth is the doorway to the body, rather than a separate organ, and is the access point for bacteria to enter the bloodstream via the gums. A lot of people with gum disease aren't aware of it, perhaps they just have blood in their spit after brushing teeth, but this unchecked damage to gums then becomes a high risk area for the rest of the body."

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