Common chemicals linked to periodontitis

Chemicals frequently applied to electronic devices and furniture to prevent burning or to slow the spread of fire have been associated with periodontitis and its severity, according to a study published in BMC Oral Health.

However, future studies should focus on investigating the underlying mechanisms of brominated flame retardant (BFR) exposure on gum disease to confirm and strengthen the results, the authors wrote.

"These findings offer novel perspectives on the prevention of periodontitis through the lens of environmental exposure and contribute to the development of targeted public health policies aimed at reducing environmental risks and improving oral health outcomes," wrote the authors, led by Dr. Fa Chen of Fujian Medical University in China (BMC Oral Health, August 30, 2024, Vol. 24, 1025).

In the U.S., BFRs, specifically polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), are widely used in plastics, electrical equipment, foams, and furniture products to improve their resistance to fire. Additionally, the use of flame retardants has risen significantly due to the implementation of stringent fire safety. Past studies have shown the effect of BFR exposure on hormonal disruption and bone metabolism, which are closely related to gum disease.

To investigate the correlation between flame retardant exposure and periodontitis in U.S. adults, data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009-2014 from 3,311 participants were analyzed. Isotope dilution gas chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry was used to quantify 12 serum BFRs. Logistic regression models were used to explore the link between serum levels and gum disease, according to the study.

Serum brominated flame retardants, tetrabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE-47), pentabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE-99), and hexabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE-154), were significantly linked with periodontitis, and the odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were 1.15 (1.01, 1.29), 1.10 (1.01, 1.20), and 1.12 (1.01, 1.25), respectively, the authors wrote.

Furthermore, these three specific BFR serums were associated with periodontitis severity, the study's authors wrote.

Nevertheless, the study had limitations, including the cross-sectional nature of the study. Due to this, establishing causality is challenging. Therefore, only epidemiological correlations can be ascertained, the authors wrote.

"This preliminary study suggests a significant association between specific serum BFRs (PBDE-47, PBDE-99, and PBDE-154) and periodontitis and its severity," Chen and colleagues wrote.