Third molars may have a negative impact on periodontal health

Abstract

DesignThis was a cross-sectional study.Materials and methodsData were within a cohort study obtained between 1996 and 1999 on 6793 people of 52–74 years of age from the dental substudy of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. The main independent variable was presence or absence of third molars, assessed visually, and the dependent variable was assessment of periodontal disease designated by pocket depth of 5 mm or greater (PD5+). Associations were determined using odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Weighted multivariable models were fitted using logistic regression and variances were adjusted to account for the clustering of quadrants within individual subjects.ResultsA visible third molar was associated with 1.5-fold (95% CI, 1.4–1.7) the odds of PD5+ on the adjacent second molar, while controlling for other factors associated with the presence of third molars and periodontal disease. Other factors positively associated with PD5+ in the model were male gender, older age, smoking, and irregular and episodic dental visits.ConclusionsThe finding of more severe periodontal conditions associated with visible third molars in these middle-aged and older adults indicates that third molars may continue to have a negative impact on periodontal health well into later life. The relationship between third molars and periodontal disease pathogenesis deserves further study using longitudinal data.Evidence-Based Dentistry (2005) 6, 95. doi:10.1038/sj.ebd.6400339 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]