Psoriasis vulgaris as a potential risk factor for apical periodontitis

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Created On: 21/08/2025

This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) and dental caries in individuals diagnosed with psoriasis vulgaris.

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Key take away

Moderate-to-severe psoriasis vulgaris is markedly linked with a higher prevalence of apical periodontitis, independent of caries experience.

Background

This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) and dental caries in individuals diagnosed with psoriasis vulgaris.

Method

A total of 152 patients with psoriasis vulgaris were enrolled. Psoriasis severity and extent were evaluated using the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI), Body Surface Area, and the Physician’s Global Assessment (PGA). Dental assessments, including periapical radiographs, were employed to determine apical health.

Data collected included the Periapical Index (PAI), the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index for caries assessment, and information on psoriasis-related medications. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of AP presence, while linear regression assessed the connection between psoriasis treatment, disease severity, and apical involvement.

Result

Patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis exhibited a remarkably greater occurrence of AP and elevated PAI scores when compared to those with mild forms of the disease. No prominent link was found between AP and the DMFT index. As per the logistic regression model, individuals with more severe psoriasis had increased odds of developing AP [odds ratio (OR) = 1.30 ± 1.088, 1.55]. Additionally, a negative association was observed between the use of biological therapies and PAI scores (coefficient = −0.54).

Conclusion

The severity of psoriasis showed a significant link with the presence of apical periodontitis, indicating a possible role of the disease in its development. In contrast, no notable link was found with caries experience. Additionally, immunomodulatory medications used for psoriasis appeared to have no differential impact on AP prevalence.