Association of chronic periodontitis with chronic migraine: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Chronic periodontitis (CP) is a chronic inflammatory disease, primarily caused by microbial infections and characterized by immune system dysfunction. The latter ultimately leads to the progressive destruction of the alveolar bone supporting the teeth in the jawbones. Chronic migraine (CM) is a complex disorder characterized by repetitive episodes of moderate to severe headaches that unfold over hours to days. The episodes are usually unilateral and generally associated with nausea and light and/or sound stimuli sensitivity. The disease is a common cause of disability and loss of working hours, as it significantly burdens the patient's daily life. CP and CM association is clinically relevant as both involve inflammatory mechanisms and immune dysfunction.

Aim

To systematically review the literature on the epidemiological association between CP and CM in adults.

Methods

The study protocol followed the PRISMA 2020 statement. The design of the study adhered to the Cochrane methodology. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases, as well as a manual search and evaluation of gray literature sources. The Review Manager (RevMan) 5.4 software was used for the meta-analysis. The effect size of the outcome was expressed as odds ratio (OR) with a 95 % confidence interval (CI), providing a measure of the association between CP and CM. The Chi-square test and I² statistic were employed to assess heterogeneity among the included studies. The inclusion criteria were English language, observational (case-control) design, and report of the diagnostic criteria for CP and CM. Duplicate entries were excluded. The reliability and quality of the included studies were assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and GRADE tools. Two independent reviewers performed all evaluations and a third resolved discrepancies.

Results

The meta-analysis included three observational studies with 522 participants. CM patients were 2.82 times more likely to be diagnosed with CP compared with healthy controls. This association was statistically significant (OR 2.82, 95 % CI 1.96–4.05, p < 0.0001); however, the external generalizability is limited because of the examination of data originating from populations with specific ethnic backgrounds.

Conclusion

A high prevalence of CP was found among patients with CM compared with healthy controls. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the correlation between these pathological conditions to provide patients with high-quality care through an effective and comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic approach.