P4665 - Oral Health Characteristics in U.S. Adults With and Without Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)

Chukwuemeka E. Ogbu, MD, MPH, Abhishek Goel, MD, Stella Ogbu, MD, MSc, Chinazor Umerah, MD, MBA
Cape Fear Valley Health, Fayetteville, NC

Introduction: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatosis liver disease (MASLD) is a significant chronic disease characterized by hepatic fat accumulation in the absence of significant alcohol consumption. Increasing evidence suggests that oral health may influence systemic health and contribute to the progression of chronic diseases, including MASLD. This study aims to examine the prevalence of oral health characteristics in patients with and without MASLD in a representative sample of the US population.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2017-March 2020). The study population included 7784 adults aged 18 years and older who completed transient elastography assessment. MASLD was defined according to definitions used in prior studies. Oral health characteristics include frequency of dental visits, report of aching in the mouth, self-reported gum disease, rating of teeth and gum health, history of treatment for gum disease, and bone loss around teeth. Proportions and percentages were calculated for individuals with and without MASLD. Chi-square tests were used to compare the proportions of oral health characteristics between individuals with/without MASLD.

Results: US adults who visited a dentist more than a year ago or never had visited a dentist had a significantly higher prevalence of MASLD (41.6% and 18.6%, respectively) compared to those who visited within the last year (39.8%). Frequent aching in the mouth was more common among MASLD patients (23.3%) compared to non-MASLD individuals (12.3%). Self-reported gum disease was significantly higher in MASLD patients (52.1%) compared to non-MASLD individuals (22.6%, p < 0.001). Individuals who rated their oral health as fair/poor had a higher prevalence of MASLD (20.9%) compared to those who rated their oral health as excellent/very good (40.2%, p < 0.001). History of treatment for gum disease was significantly associated with MASLD (35.5% in those with a history of treatment vs. 17.0% in those without). Bone loss around teeth did not show a significant association with MASLD.

Discussion: This cross-sectional study describes oral health characteristics among non-institutionalized US adults with MASLD. Addressing oral health disparities may represent an approach to prevent burden of MASLD and improve overall health in these patients. Further research is warranted to explore causal relationships.


Disclosures:


Chukwuemeka E. Ogbu, MD, MPH, Abhishek Goel, MD, Stella Ogbu, MD, MSc, Chinazor Umerah, MD, MBA. P4665 - Oral Health Characteristics in U.S. Adults With and Without Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), ACG 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting Abstracts. Philadelphia, PA: American College of Gastroenterology.