RESUMO
BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate the association between plasma levels of manganese (Mn) and periodontal status in a representative sample of Korean adults. METHODS: Plasma levels of Mn and periodontal status were analyzed in 1,679 participants, all of whom were ≥19 years old. Plasma levels of Mn were divided into four quartiles: first (<1.057 µg/dL), second (1.057 to 1.274 µg/dL), third (1.275 to 1.544 µg/dL), and fourth (>1.544 µg/dL). Periodontal status was assessed using the Community Periodontal Index (CPI). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed after adjusting for sociodemographic variables, oral and general health behavior, oral health status, and systemic conditions. All analyses took into consideration the complex sampling design, and multivariate analyses were performed in the subgroups. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed a significant association between plasma levels of Mn and higher CPI in the total sample. There was a moderate association between first-quartile plasma levels of Mn and higher CPI in males (odds ratio [OR]: 2.13; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25 to 3.63) and current smokers (OR: 2.07; 95% CI 1.04 to 4.11), compared to the fourth quartile. CONCLUSION: Periodontal status is significantly associated with plasma levels of Mn in Korean adults, especially in men and smokers.