title: The relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease and chronic periodontitis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The most common cause of chronic periodontitis is poor oral hygiene. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) enhances the proximal migration of gastric contents and may cause poor oral hygiene. We hypothesized that GERD may increase the risk of chronic periodontitis and investigated this potential relationship.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in outpatients between January 1, 2010, and April 30, 2012. GERD was defined as being present based on at least two of the following criteria: etiologic agent(s), identifiable signs and symptoms, and consistent anatomic alterations. A total of 280 patients with chronic periodontitis and 280 controls were analyzed. Information regarding patient demographics and other potential confounding factors for chronic periodontitis were collected through individual medical records.
  
  
  RESULTS
  GERD was revealed to be independently associated with an increased incidence of chronic periodontitis (odds ratio [OR], 2.883; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.775 to 4.682). The other three variables of dental caries (OR, 1.531; 95% CI, 1.042 to 2.249), tobacco use (OR, 2.335; 95% CI, 1.461 to 3.730), and history of medication (calcium channel blocker, cyclosporine, or phenytoin) (OR, 2.114; 95% CI, 1.160 to 3.854) were also determined to be independent risk factors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present study supported our hypothesis that GERD can be a risk factor for chronic periodontitis.
authors: Department of Internal Medicine, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea.
authors: Jun Young
authors: JY
authors: Song
authors: Department of Internal Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Hyung Hun
authors: HH
authors: Kim
authors: Department of Internal Medicine, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea.
authors: Eun Ju
authors: EJ
authors: Cho
authors: Department of Internal Medicine, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea.
authors: Tae Yun
authors: TY
authors: Kim
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D055113:Chronic Periodontitis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Chronic periodontitis; Gastroesophageal reflux; Oral hygiene