Association between low‐dose aspirin and periodontal disease: results from the continuous national health and nutrition examination survey (NHANES) 2011–2012

Abstract Aim Low‐dose aspirin has been hypothesized as being a potential host modulatory agent for periodontitis treatment. We investigated the relationship between low‐dose aspirin use and periodontitis prevalence in the continuous National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011–2012. Methods We analysed n = 2335 adult men and women who received a full‐mouth periodontal examination and responded to an aspirin use questionnaire. Periodontal disease was defined as severe, moderate or mild according to established case definitions. Mean full‐mouth probing depth, attachment loss and tooth loss were also considered. Low‐dose aspirin was defined by any self‐reported, physician prescribed aspirin use of ≤162 mg/day. Results Participants had mean age ( SE ) 55.8 years (0.42). The prevalences of periodontitis and low‐dose aspirin use were 49.5% and 25% respectively. In multivariable logistic regression models controlling for age, sex, race, socioeconomic variables and comorbidities, the odds ratios [95% CI ] for moderate or severe periodontitis among low‐dose aspirin users (versus non‐users) were: 0.91 [0.56–1.50] and 1.06 [0.74–1.50] respectively. Results were unchanged among participants without diabetes or coronary heart disease. Conclusions Within the limitations of this cross‐sectional study we conclude that low‐dose aspirin is not associated with prevalent periodontal status in a nationally representative sample of US adults.