Larry F. Wolff

Objectives: To examine the potential relationship of medication intake and systemic conditions with periodontitis. Methods and Materials: A total of 1985 patient records with a diagnosis of periodontal health and stage III and IV periodontitis were included in the analysis. Demographic characteristics, the number of missing teeth, patient-reported medical conditions and medication intake as well as smoking habits were recorded. Regression models were performed to explore the outcomes. Results: Older individuals, Hispanic ethnic groups, Black and Hispanic or Latino racial groups and non-White individuals in general were significantly more frequently diagnosed with periodontitis than health. Hypertension, glaucoma, anxiety and depression were significantly associated with periodontitis, while cancer, alcohol use, kidney problems, asthma, sleep apnea and gastrointestinal disorders were associated with periodontal health. Patients who reported taking anticoagulants, statins and ACE inhibitors demonstrated 3.546 (95% CI: 1.982, 6.343), 2.771 (95% CI: 1.877, 4.09) and 4.847 (95% CI: 2.785, 8.434) times higher odds of having periodontitis, respectively. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this retrospective study that utilized the BigMouth dental data repository, there is a possible relationship between systemic medications including anticoagulants, ACE inhibitors and statins as well as systemic medical conditions including hypertension, glaucoma, anxiety and depression with periodontitis.