The link between dental diseases and a wide range of systemic medical conditions has recently acquired increased attention. Periodontal disease, in particular, has been implicated as a marker of cardiac disease. Dental caries, the most common oral infection, should be considered as a potential risk factor for all systemic diseases. Few studies have investigated this association. Objectives: To investigate the potential relationship between dental caries activity, dental plaque levels and presence of mutans streptococci (Ms) in saliva (independent variables) and coronary heart disease (CHD) severity (dependent variable). Methods: 219 cardiac patients in a hospital cardiac clinic were included. Dental caries activity was evaluated by the "D" or "untreated" component of the DMFT index , dental plaque was measured according to the Turesky index, and the number (CFU\ml) of salivary Ms were measured on MSB-agar. CHD severity was assessed according to extent of vessel blockage; function and size of left ventricle according to results of LV-Gram catheterization; Stress tests were categorized by physiological symptoms of CHD; previous hospitalization (due to CHD) was recorded. Results: Previously hospitalized patients due to CHD had 3.03 untreated carious teeth as compared with 1.84 among patients not previously hospitalized (Mann-Whitney, p=0.032). Levels of MS were lowest among patients who had no coronary blockage: 11.63 million CFU\ml, as compared to patients with single, double, or triple vessel blockage: 12.97, 30.64, 21.11 million CFU\ml respectively (ANOVA, p=0.031). Plaque index levels were lowest among patients with no coronary blockage (2.80) as compared with patients with single, double or triple vessel blockage: 3.56, 3.31, 3.54 respectively (ANOVA, p=0.049). Conclusions: These data consistently indicate a potential association between dental caries activity and CHD severity and emphasize the role of preventive dentistry in the promotion of general health.

Back to the Cariology Research Program
Back to the IADR/AADR/CADR 83rd General Session (March 9-12, 2005)

Top Level Search