The link between dental diseases and a wide range of systemic medical conditions has recently acquired increased attention. Some studies have clearly indicated an association, others not. Cardiac patients present a wide range of disease severity. Objectives: To investigate the potential relationship between dental disease prevalence (as independent variables) and coronary disease severity (as dependent variables). Methods: 219 patients in a hospital cardiac clinic were included. Dental caries was evaluated by DMFT (the "D" component was employed to indicate untreated caries); periodontal status by CPI, dental plaque by Turesky Index. The number of total oral bacteria and mutans streptococci were measured on blood agar and MSB-agar. Coronary disease 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 coronary disease; previous hospitalization (due to coronary disease) was recorded. Appropriate statistical tests were employed. Results: Statistically significant associations (in univariate analyses) were revealed between levels of mutans streptococci, plaque levels, periodontal status and coronary disease severity (p<0.05); and untreated caries, periodontal status and previous hospitalization (p<0.05). Conclusions: These data consistently indicated a potential association between dental disease and coronary disease severity.

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