Epidemiology of apical periodontitis in a representative rural population: Association with diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, and smoking - a cross-sectional study

Objective: To determine whether the systemic diseases diabetes mellitus (DM) and arterial hypertension (AH), and smoking are associated with apical periodontitis (AP) in a representative rural population. Materials: and methods Cross-sectional study using a representative sample of individuals obtained from a population-based epidemiological survey carried out in the rural area of the city of Rosário do Sul, RS, Brazil, from March 2015 to May 2016. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and clinical examination. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify variables independently associated with AP. Results: Of the 584 individuals included in the study, 353 (60.4%) had AP. The presence of AP was independently associated with age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.018, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.001-1.035, p = 0.041), active or former smoker (OR = 2.109, 95% CI: 1.256-3.540, p = 0.005) and DM or prediabetes (OR = 1.696, 95% CI: 1.164-2.471, p = 0.006) Conclusion: The study identified significant associations between AP and clinical risk factors. However, it is essential to acknowledge the study's limitations and recommend conducting longitudinal studies to confirm these associations and explore other potential variables involved in the development of AP. Clinical Relevance The study emphasized the significance of comprehending and managing risk factors in preventing and treating AP.