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Association Between Blood Benzene Levels and Periodontal Disease in a Nationally Representative Adult U.S. Population

Author

Listed:
  • Basel Hamoud

    (Ministry of Health, Kuwait City 15462, Kuwait)

  • Meshari Alfailakwi

    (Ministry of Health, Kuwait City 15462, Kuwait)

  • Hessah Aljalahmah

    (Ministry of Health, Kuwait City 15462, Kuwait)

  • Fatema Almael

    (Ministry of Health, Kuwait City 15462, Kuwait)

  • Sarah Alsaeedi

    (Ministry of Health, Kuwait City 15462, Kuwait)

  • Khaled Saleh

    (Ministry of Health, Kuwait City 15462, Kuwait)

  • Bushra Ahmad

    (Department of Public Health, School of Dental Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA)

  • Hend Alqaderi

    (Department of Public Health, School of Dental Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA
    Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City 15462, Kuwait)

Abstract

(1) Background: Benzene, environmental pollutant, is linked to various adverse health effects, but its impact on oral health remains under-explored. This study examines the association between blood benzene levels and periodontitis, a progressive oral inflammatory condition, using a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults. (2) Methods: Cross sectional data from the 2013–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed. Periodontitis was defined per CDC/AAP. Three weighted multivariable logistic regression models determined the association between blood benzene levels and periodontal severity, adjusting for potential confounders. A structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis evaluated cotinine, smoking biomarker, as a mediator in the relationship between benzene and severe periodontitis. (3) Results: The ordinal logistic regression showed a statistically significant association (AOR = 2.0, p = 0.02) between blood benzene levels and periodontal severity. A one unit increase in blood benzene was associated twice the odds of progressing to a higher category of periodontitis. Benzene exposure was significantly linked to severe periodontitis (AOR = 2.9, p = 0.001). SEM analysis indicated cotinine mediates the relationship between blood benzene and sever periodontitis. (4) Conclusions: This study provides evidence that higher blood benzene levels are associated with severe periodontitis. The findings suggest that cotinine, a biomarker of smoking, mediates the relationship between benzene exposure and severe periodontitis.

Suggested Citation

  • Basel Hamoud & Meshari Alfailakwi & Hessah Aljalahmah & Fatema Almael & Sarah Alsaeedi & Khaled Saleh & Bushra Ahmad & Hend Alqaderi, 2025. "Association Between Blood Benzene Levels and Periodontal Disease in a Nationally Representative Adult U.S. Population," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(6), pages 1-16, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:6:p:853-:d:1668108
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Robert Snyder, 2012. "Leukemia and Benzene," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 9(8), pages 1-19, August.
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