The relationship between metabolic conditions and prevalence of periodontal disease in rural Korean elderly

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the duration and number of components of metabolic syndrome and periodontal disease among rural elderly in Korea over 60 years old. This longitudinal study consisted of 399 participants who underwent regular health examinations at Seongju-gun Public Health Center from 2000 to 2007. The components of metabolic syndrome (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, and hypercholesterolemia) were evaluated from clinical records of Seongju-gun Public Health Center, which were recorded from 2000 to 2007, and periodontal examination by Community Periodontal Index, recorded from 2006 to 2007. Participants suffering from longer durations of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and obesity were more likely to have periodontal disease. Individuals with a greater number of metabolic syndrome components were more likely to have periodontal disease. Older rural Koreans with components of metabolic syndrome have unmet periodontal treatment needs. Medical and dental professionals need to coordinated systemic and oral care for these people.