Association Between ABO Blood Type and Periodontitis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVES

This study used health-examination data from a large population to examine the association between ABO blood type and periodontitis, considering the influence of confounding factors.

METHODS

The study analyzed 2,311 individuals who underwent health examinations, including oral health examinations and blood-type tests. The Community Periodontal Index was used to evaluate periodontal status. Logistic regression analysis was performed with severe periodontitis as the dependent variable and blood type and other variables as independent variables; odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. The sex differences in the associations between severe periodontitis and either blood type or the presence or absence of blood-type antigens (A or B antigens) were also examined.

RESULTS

There were 879 (38.0%), 500 (21.6%), 234 (10.1%), and 698 (30.2%) participants with blood types A, B, AB, and O, respectively. Individuals with blood types A and AB had significantly higher ORs for severe periodontitis compared to those who had blood type B (OR 1.45 [95% CI 1.01-2.08] and 1.88 [95% CI 1.17-3.01], respectively). The association between blood type and severe periodontitis was significant only in men. In the association between blood-type antigen status and severe periodontitis, those with blood type A or AB who had the A antigen had a significantly higher OR for severe periodontitis than those with blood type B or O who did not have the A antigen (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.09-1.80).

CONCLUSION

Individuals with blood types A and AB tended to have a higher prevalence of periodontitis. Future studies should consider the potential influence of blood type on periodontal status.