Serum cholesterol ratios and periodontal infection: results of the Health 2000 Survey

Aim: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate whether serum total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TC/HDL) ratio and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL/HDL) ratio are associated with periodontal infection. Materials and Methods: This study was based on a subpopulation of the Health 2000 Survey, which included dentate, non-diabetic subjects who had never smoked and who were aged between 30 and 49 years (n = 1297). The numbers of teeth with deepened (4 mm deep or deeper) and with deep (6 mm deep or deeper) periodontal pockets were used as outcome variables, as well as the presence of gingival bleeding. Results: We found no consistent associations between TC/HDL or LDL/HDL ratios and the number of teeth with deepened periodontal pockets or the presence of gingival bleeding among normal weight subjects. Nor were there any consistent associations between TC/HDL or LDL/HDL ratios and the number of teeth with deepened periodontal pockets or the presence of gingival bleeding among subjects whose body mass index was 25 or more. Conclusions: This study does not provide evidence that unfavourable lipid composition can be considered as an important risk for periodontal infection in a general adult population.