PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND PERIODONTAL DISEASE IN ADULTS

Abstract

Physical activity has been shown to improve many chronic inflammatory conditions. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the oral tissues. This study will explore whether there is a relationship between physical activity and periodontal disease in adults using the 2017 American Academy of Periodontology Classification System. 25 adults diagnosed with periodontal disease subjectively reported their physical activity using the Godin-Leisure Time Index and wore a FitBit fitness tracker to measure their daily step count as an objective measure for one week. Periodontal disease was measured using the American Academy of Periodontology Classification System to determine the stage and grade of periodontitis. Linear regression found that there was no relationship between physical activity, using moderate to vigorous physical activity levels and average daily walking steps, and periodontitis. This study was inconclusive, and a larger sample size would be beneficial in determining if there was a relationship between physical activity and periodontal disease.