Radiographic quantification of chronic dental infection and its relationship to the atherosclerotic process in the carotid arteries

Periapical Lesions Associated with Demographic Variables, Dental Conditions, Systemic Diseases, and Habits

AIM AND BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of periapical lesions and possible associations with demographic, dental conditions, systemic diseases, and habit variables in patients from a private Brazilian university.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from 452 patients of both sexes, aged 18-78 years, from a Brazilian university were evaluated. Panoramic radiographs were analyzed, and the presence of periapical lesions was recorded. In these cases, the dental condition was assessed for the presence or absence of endodontic treatment. Medical records provide information related to general health (diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, altered cholesterol, autoimmune diseases, gallstones, or kidney stones) and habits (smoking or alcoholism). The data were descriptively analyzed, and then logistic regression and the Wald test were performed in Stata/SE v.14.1.

RESULTS

A rate of 58.4% of participants were women, and the mean age was 36.4 (±14.6) years. Periapical lesions prevailed in 193 (42.7%) patients, and 281 (72.4%) teeth were not previously endodontically treated. Mandibular first molars (19%) and men (48.9%) were the most affected. The adjusted model showed that the age group of 26-45 years was 5 times more likely [odds ratio (OR) = 5.01; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.85-8.82] to have lesions than those aged ≤25 years. Participants aged above 46 years were 19.1 times more prone (OR = 19.1; 95% CI: 10.2-36.0) to morbidity than younger ones (≤25 years).

CONCLUSION

The studied sample showed that periapical lesions were more prevalent in males, in mandibular molars, and without prior endodontic treatment. There was no observed association between periapical lesions and comorbidities or habits; however, a significant correlation occurred with advancing age.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Comorbidities and habits were not associated with the presence of periapical lesions. However, aging has been identified as a significant risk factor for the development of periapical lesions. This finding is clinically relevant as it highlights the importance of monitoring and maintaining oral health in patients with advanced age. How to cite this article: dos Santos VC, de Oliveira Kublitski PM, Marques da Silva B, et al. Periapical Lesions Associated with Demographic Variables, Dental Conditions, Systemic Diseases, and Habits. J Contemp Dent Pract 2023;24(11):864-870.

Association of severely damaged endodontically infected tooth with carotid plaque and abnormal carotid intima-media thickness: a retrospective analysis

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the association of severely damaged endodontically infected tooth with carotid artery plaque and abnormal mean carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) ≥ 1.0 mm.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 1502 control participants and 1552 participants with severely damaged endodontically infected tooth who received routine medical and dental checkup in Health Management Center, Xiangya Hospital was performed. Carotid plaque and CIMT were measured with B-mode tomographic ultrasound. Data were analyzed using logistic and linear regression.

RESULTS

Severely damaged endodontically infected tooth group had a significantly higher prevalence of carotid plaque (41.62%) compared to 32.22% of carotid plaque in control group. Participants with severely damaged endodontically infected tooth had a significantly higher prevalence of abnormal CIMT (16.17%) and a significantly increased level of CIMT (0.79 ± 0.16 mm) in comparison to 10.79% of abnormal CIMT and 0.77 ± 0.14 mm CIMT in control participants. Severely damaged endodontically infected tooth was significantly related with formation of carotid plaque [1.37(1.18-1.60), P < 0.001], top quartile length [1.21(1.02-1.44), P = 0.029] and top quartile thickness [1.27(1.08-1.51), P = 0.005] of carotid plaque and abnormal CIMT [1.47(1.18-1.83), P < 0.001]. Severely damaged endodontically infected tooth was significantly associated with both single [1.277(1.056-1.546), P = 0.012] and multiple carotid plaques [1.488(1.214-1.825), P < 0.001] and instable carotid plaques [1.380(1.167-1.632), P < 0.001]. Presence of severely damaged endodontically infected tooth increased 0.588 mm of carotid plaque length (P = 0.001), 0.157 mm of carotid plaque thickness (P < 0.001) and 0.015 mm of CIMT (P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Severely damaged endodontically infected tooth was associated with carotid plaque and abnormal CIMT.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Early treatment of endodontically infected tooth is warranted.

Association of Dental Infections with Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis

INTRODUCTION

Periodontal disease (PD) and dental caries are oral infections leading to tooth loss that are associated with atherosclerosis and cerebrovascular disease. We assessed the hypothesis that PD and caries are associated with asymptomatic intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS) in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study.

METHODS

Full-mouth clinical periodontal measurements (7 indices) collected at 6 sites per tooth from 6,155 subjects from the Dental Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (DARIC) without prior stroke were used to differentiate seven PD stages (Periodontal Profile Class [PPC]-I to -VII) and dental caries on coronal dental surface (DS) and dental root surface (DRS). A stratified subset underwent 3D time-of-flight MR angiogram and 3D high isotropic-resolution black blood MRI. ICAS was graded according to the criteria established by the Warfarin-Aspirin Symptomatic Intracranial Disease (WASID) trial. We evaluated the relationship between PD stage and dental caries with asymptomatic ICAS, graded as no ICAS, <50% ICAS, and ≥50% ICAS.

RESULTS

Among dentate subjects who underwent vascular imaging, 801 (70%) had no ICAS, 232 (20%) had <50% ICAS, and 112 (10%) had ≥50% ICAS. Compared to participants without gum disease (PPC-I), participants with mild-moderate tooth loss (PPC-VI), severe tooth loss (PPC-VII), and severe PD (PPC-IV) had higher odds of having <50% ICAS. Participants with extensive gingivitis (PPC-V) had significantly higher odds of having ≥50% ICAS. This association remained significant after adjusting for confounding variables: age, gender, race, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, 3-level education, and smoking status. There was no association between dental caries (DS and DRS) and ICAS <50% and ≥50%.

CONCLUSION

We report significant associations between mild-moderate tooth loss, severe tooth loss, and severe PD with <50% ICAS as well as an association between extensive gingivitis and ≥50% ICAS. We did not find an association between dental caries and ICAS.

Cardiovascular Disease and Chronic Endodontic Infection. Is There an Association? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The aim of the present study was to systematically assess existing evidence on the possible association between chronic endodontic infections and cardiovascular disease (CVD). An electronic database search was implemented until 2 October 2020. The main outcome was risk of CVD diagnosis. Risk of bias was assessed through the ROBINS-I tool, while random effects meta-analyses were conducted. The quality of the evidence was assessed with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. Twenty-one studies were eligible for inclusion, while 10 were included in the quantitative synthesis. Risk for CVD diagnosis in patients with chronic endodontic infection was 1.38 times those without infection (RR = 1.38; 95% CIs: 1.06, 1.80; p = 0.008). Risk of bias ranged from moderate to serious, while the quality of the evidence was graded as very low. Indications for an identified association between chronic endodontic infection and CVDs do exist; however, they are not grounded on high-quality evidence at present. Further research for an establishment of an association based on temporal sequence of the two entities and on unbiased well-conducted cohort studies would be highly valued.

The oral health status of patients with peripheral vascular disorders: A systematic review

Objectives

Periodontal disease and tooth loss were found to be associated with several peripheral vascular disorders. Nonetheless, an evaluation of the literature on the broader domains of oral health in individuals with peripheral vascular disorders is lacking. This systematic review aims to collate the current evidence on the oral health status of individuals with peripheral vascular disorders.

Methods

Five electronic databases were searched for studies assessing oral health parameters in individuals with peripheral vascular disorders. Outcome measures considered were periodontal health, dentition status, caries indices, oral prostheses, oral pathologies and oral hygiene behaviours. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to appraise the quality of the studies.

Results

From 3025 records identified, 24 studies involving 1232 participants with peripheral vascular disorders were included in this review. In nine studies, periodontitis was significantly more prevalent in peripheral vascular disorders compared to non-peripheral vascular disorders participants. A further six studies reported individuals with peripheral vascular disorders also had significantly fewer teeth and increased rates of edentulism. Only one study reported a higher incidence of dental caries in peripheral vascular disorders participants. Other aspects of oral health such as oral prosthesis, oral pathology and oral hygiene behaviours were seldom assessed.

Conclusions

The scarcity of studies reporting on broader domains limited our ability to arrive at a conclusion regarding the oral health status of individuals with peripheral vascular disorders. Future studies ought to assess these domains in individuals with peripheral vascular disorders and controls to gain a more complete understanding of oral health and its potential association with peripheral vascular disorders.

Relationship between Apical Periodontitis and Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Events: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aim: Both apical periodontitis (AP) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD), the main cause of cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of AP and the oral inflammatory burden in control subjects and patients suffering cardiovascular events, analyzing the possible association between AP and the oral inflammatory burden with MetS. Materials and Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, 83 patients suffering a cardiovascular event were recruited in the study group (SG), and 48 patients without cardiovascular events were included in the control group (CG). Periapical index (PAI) was used to diagnose AP, and total dental index (TDI) was used to assess the total oral inflammatory burden. Diagnosis of MetS was made by meeting three or more American Heart Association Scientific Statement components. Results: In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the number of teeth with AP (OR = 2.3; 95% C.I. = 1.3–4.3; p = 0.006) and TDI scores (OR = 1.5; 95% C.I. = 1.2–1.9; p = 0.001), significantly correlated with cardiovascular events. MetS was strongly associated (OR = 18.0; 95% C.I. = 6.5–49.7; p = 0000) with cardiovascular events. Higher TDI scores were significantly associated with MetS (OR = 1.3; 95% C.I. = 1.1–1.6; p = 0.003. Neither the number of root-filled teeth (RFT) (OR = 0.9; 95% C.I. = 0.6–1.3; p = 0.61) nor the number of teeth with apical periodontitis (OR = 1.1; 95% C.I. = 0.8–1.7; p = 0.49) were associated with MetS. Conclusions: Apical periodontitis is significantly associated with cardiovascular events. Total oral inflammatory burden assessed by TDI, but not AP alone, is associated with MetS.

Carotid artery calcification in panoramic radiographs associates with oral infections and mortality

AIM

To study the prevalence of carotid artery calcification (CAC) in relation to apical and marginal periodontitis, subgingival dysbiotic bacterial species and serum and saliva immune responses against them. In addition, the aim was to analyse the association of CAC with angiographically verified coronary artery disease (CAD) and mortality.

METHODOLOGY

In the present random Parogene cohort, the patients had an indication for coronary angiography. Apical and marginal periodontitis were diagnosed during clinical and radiographic oral examinations, and CAC on panoramic radiographs (n = 492). Presence and severity of CAD were registered from angiography. Subgingival dysbiotic bacterial species were quantitated using checkerboard DNA-DNA-hybridization, and serum and saliva antibody levels were determined by immunoassays. The cohort was followed-up for 10 years or until death (median 9.9, range 0.21-10.4) via linkage to the national death register. The statistical models were adjusted for age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia.

RESULTS

A total of 102 (20.7%) patients had detectable CAC, which was moderate in 81 (16.4%) and severe in 21 (4.3%). CAC was associated (OR, 95% CI) with severe apical periodontitis (2.25, 1.15-4.41), root canal fillings (1.15, 1.04-1.26), alveolar bone loss (2.66, 1.21-5.84), severe periodontal inflammation (2.23, 1.11-4.47), high level of gram-negative subgingival species (2.73, 1.34-5.50), saliva IgG against dysbiotic species (1.05, 1.01-1.10/unit) and severe (2.58, 1.36-4.90) and chronic (2.13, 1.15-3.93) CAD. A total of 105 (20.7%) patients died during the follow-up and 53 (10.4%) deaths were because of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Severe CAC predicted worse survival with HRs (95% CI) of 3.08 (1.58-6.06) for all-cause and 3.43 (1.42-8.25) for CVD death.

CONCLUSIONS

CAC on panoramic tomography was associated with (i) apical and marginal periodontitis and dysbiotic bacterial species giving rise to an immunological response, and with (ii) severe, chronic CAD and increased mortality. The results further emphasize the role of oral infections in CAD and the importance of referring a patient with CAC for a cardiovascular evaluation.

Associations among Periodontitis, Calcified Carotid Artery Atheromas, and Risk of Myocardial Infarction

Cardiovascular disease is a common cause of morbidity and premature mortality. Cardiovascular disease can be prevented when risk factors are identified early. Calcified carotid artery atheromas (CCAAs), detected in panoramic radiographs, and periodontitis have both been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This case-control study aimed to 1) investigate associations between periodontitis and CCAA detected in panoramic radiographs and 2) determine the risk of future myocardial infarctions due to CCAA combined with periodontitis. We evaluated 1,482 participants (738 cases and 744 controls) with periodontitis and CCAAs recruited from the PAROKRANK study (Periodontitis and Its Relation to Coronary Artery Disease). Participants were examined with panoramic radiographs, including the carotid regions. Associations between myocardial infarction and periodontitis combined with CCAA were evaluated in 696 cases and 696 age-, sex-, and residential area–matched controls. Periodontitis was evaluated radiographically (as degree of bone loss) and with a clinical periodontal disease index score (from clinical and radiographic assessments). We found associations between CCAA and clinical periodontal disease index score among cases (odds ratio [OR], 1.51; 95% CI, 1.09 to 2.10; P = 0.02) and controls (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.22 to 2.38; P < 0.01), although not between CCAA and the degree of bone loss. In a multivariable model, myocardial infarction was associated with CCAA combined with periodontitis, as assessed by degree of bone loss (OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.11 to 2.74; P = 0.01). When the cohort was stratified by sex, only men showed a significant association between myocardial infarction and CCAA combined with periodontitis. Participants with clinically diagnosed periodontitis exhibited CCAA in panoramic radiographs more often than those without periodontitis, irrespective of the presence of a recent myocardial infarction. Participants with combined periodontitis and CCAA had a higher risk of having had myocardial infarction as compared with participants with either condition alone. These findings implied that patients in dental care might benefit from dentists assessing panoramic radiographs for CCAA—particularly, patients with periodontitis who have not received any preventive measures for cardiovascular disease.

Association of Apical Periodontitis with Cardiovascular Disease via Noninvasive Assessment of Endothelial Function and Subclinical Atherosclerosis

INTRODUCTION

Chronic infections of endodontic origin might predispose to the onset of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The studies depicting the link between apical periodontitis (AP) and CVD are few, and the association is very controversial; also, the markers used are expensive, which makes them difficult to use in general practice. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether an association exists between AP and CVD using noninvasive methods (ie, flow-mediated dilatation [FMD] and carotid intima-media thickness [c-IMT]).

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 120 men between 20 and 40 years old free from periodontal disease, CVD, and traditional cardiovascular risk factors; 60 subjects had AP, and 60 acted as controls. All subjects underwent complete physical and dental examination, echocardiography, ultrasound assessment of FMD of the right brachial artery, and c-IMT. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and the Spearman rank correlation (r_s) test.

RESULTS

FMD was found to be significantly impaired in patients with AP (mean = 4.9% ± 2.05%) compared with healthy controls (mean = 9.74% ± 2.59%, P = .000). The study also depicts statistically significant differences between c-IMT of the AP (mean = 0.64 ± 0.12 mm) and control (mean = 0.54 ± 0.08 mm) groups (P = .000). A significant inverse correlation between c-IMT and FMD was observed (r_s = -0.381, P = .000).

CONCLUSIONS

Impaired FMD and greater c-IMT in subjects with AP suggests a potential association between endodontic infection and CVD.

Health and quality of life differ between community living older people with and without remaining teeth who recently received formal home care: a cross sectional study

Objective

To assess oral health, health, and quality of life (QoL) of care-dependent community-living older people with and without remaining teeth who recently received formal home care.

Materials and methods

For this cross-sectional observational study, community-living older people (≥ 65 years), who recently (< 6 months) received formal home care, were interviewed with validated questionnaires and underwent an oral examination. Oral health, general health, medicines usage, frailty (Groningen Frailty Indicator), cognition (Minimal Mental State Examination), QoL (RAND 36), and oral health-related QoL (Oral Health Impact Profile-14) were assessed.

Results

One hundred three out of 275 consecutive eligible older people (median age 79 [IQR (Inter Quartile Range) 72–85 years] participated in the study. Thirty-nine patients had remaining teeth and 64 were edentulous. Compared with edentulous older people, older people with remaining teeth scored significantly better on frailty, QoL, physical functioning, and general health. No significant differences were seen in cognition. Dental and periodontal problems were seen in more than half of the patients with remaining teeth. Two third of the edentulous patients did not visit their dentist regularly or at all.

Conclusions

Care-dependent home-dwelling older people with remaining teeth generally were less frail, scored better on physical functioning and general health and had better QoL than edentulous older people. Dental and periodontal problems were seen in approximately 50% of the elderly.

Clinical relevance

Notwithstanding their common dental problems, frailty, health, and QoL are better in home-dwelling older people with remaining teeth. To maintain this status, we advise not only dentists, but also health care workers and governments, to encourage people to maintain good oral health.

Oral health status and need for oral care of care-dependent indwelling elderly: from admission to death

Objectives

The objective of this study is to assess oral health and oral status of elderly patients newly admitted to a nursing home from admission until death.

Materials and methods

Oral health, oral status, need for dental care, cooperation with dental treatment, and given dental care were assessed by two geriatric dentists in all new long-stay patients (n = 725) admitted to a nursing home between January 2009 and December 2013. All patients were followed from admission until death or until they left the nursing home.

Results

At admission, dementia patients were significantly older than somatic patients; median [IQR] ages were, respectively, 85 [79–89] and 81 [76–87] (p = 0.001). In addition, edentulous patients were significantly older than patients with remaining teeth, 83 [79–89] versus 80 [74–86] (p = 0.001) years. Thirty percent of the admitted patients died within 12 months after admission. A small minority (20%) of the patients had their own teeth. In this group, poor oral hygiene (72%), caries (70%), and broken teeth (62%) were frequently observed. Edentulous patients were significantly more cooperative with treatment than patients with remaining teeth (64 versus 27%). Finally, significantly less professional dental care was given to edentulous patients when compared to patients with remaining teeth (median 90 [IQR 60–180] versus 165 [75–375] min).

Conclusion

When compared to edentulous elderly patients, patients with remaining teeth were younger at admittance, were more often non-cooperative, and had a poorer oral health and higher need for dental care.

Clinical relevance

It is important that health care workers ensure adequate oral health and dental care to frail elderly, especially for elderly with remaining teeth.

Prevalence of suggestive images of carotid artery calcifications on panoramic radiographs and its relationship with predisposing factors

Abstract Panoramic radiographs (PR) can display radiopaque images suggestive of calcified atheroma in the carotid artery in asymptomatic patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of these images on PR and their linkage with hypertension, obesity, age, gender and smoking habits. PR of 505 patients were evaluated. They were older than 30 years old and their PR had been taken for different clinical reasons. Their body mass index was calculated; their waist circumference was also taken into consideration. Information about smoking habits and hypertension was obtained. The observers analyzed the presence of radiopaque mass in the region of the cervical vertebrae C3-C4 through the PR, confirmed by an antero-posterior (AP) radiograph. The results showed a 7.92% prevalence of suggestive images of calcifications on PR and on AP radiograph. The adjusted Odds Ratio showed association with age and smoking habits. The calcification process is almost nine times higher for the elderly when compared to the young. As far as smokers are concerned, this process is twice worse when compared to no smokers. In conclusion, 7.92% of the group studied presented suggestive images of carotid atherosclerosis on PR, which is directly associated with the age and smoking habits.

A cross-sectional study of the associations between periodontitis and carotid arterial calcifications in an elderly population

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate if the presence of periodontitis is associated with carotid arterial calcifications diagnosed on panoramic radiographs in an elderly population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Study individuals were randomly selected from the Swedish civil registration database representing the aging population (60-96 years) in Karlskrona, Sweden. Bleeding on probing (BOP) and the deepest probing measurement at each tooth were registered. The proportions of teeth with a probing depth ≥ 5 mm and the proportion of teeth with bleeding on probing were calculated. Analog panoramic radiographs were taken and the proportion of sites with a distance ≥ 5 mm between the alveolar bone level and the cement-enamel junction (CEJ) were assessed. A diagnosis of periodontitis was declared if a distance between the alveolar bone level and the CEJ ≥ 5 mm could be identified from the panoramic radiographs at > 10% of sites, probing depth of ≥ 5 mm at one tooth or more and with BOP at > 20% of teeth.

RESULTS

Readable radiographs were obtained from 499 individuals. Carotid calcification was identified in 39.1%. Individuals were diagnosed with periodontitis in 18.4%. Data analysis demonstrated that individuals with periodontitis had a higher prevalence of carotid calcifications (Pearson χ(2) = 4.05 p < 0.05) and with a likelihood of 1.5 (95% CI = 1.0, 2.3, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Data analysis demonstrated a significant association between periodontitis and carotid calcification.

Reusing electronic patient data for dental clinical research: a review of current status

OBJECTIVES

The reuse of electronic patient data collected during clinical care has received increased attention as a way to increase our evidence base. The purpose of this paper was to review studies reusing electronic patient data for dental research.

DATA SOURCES

1527 citations obtained by searching MEDLINE and Embase databases, hand-searching seven dental and informatics journals, and snowball sampling.

STUDY SELECTION

We included studies reusing electronic patient data for research on dental and craniofacial topics, alone or in combination with medical conditions, medications and outcomes. Studies using administrative or research databases and systematic reviews were excluded. Three reviewers extracted data independently and performed analysis jointly

RESULTS

The 60 studies reviewed covered epidemiological (32 studies), outcomes (16), health services research (10) and other (2) topics; were primarily retrospective (58 studies); varied significantly in sample size (9-153,619 patients) and follow-up period (1-12 years); often drew on other data sources in addition to electronic ones (25); but rarely tapped electronic dental record (EDR) data in private practices (3). Type of research was not associated with data sources used, but research topics/questions were. The most commonly reported advantages of reusing electronic data were being able to study large samples and saving time, while data quality and the inability to capture study-specific data were identified as major limitations.

CONCLUSIONS

Dental research reusing electronic patient data is nascent but accelerating. Future EDR design should focus on enhancing data quality, begin to integrate research data collection and implement interoperability with electronic medical records to facilitate oral-systemic investigations.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Measuring and improving the quality of dental care requires that we begin to reuse electronic patient data collected in practice for clinical research. Practice data can potentially serve as a useful complement to data collected in traditional research studies.

The occurrence of dental caries is associated with atherosclerosis

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies have suggested that marginal periodontitis is a risk factor for developing atherosclerosis. The objective of this study was to determine whether caries may also be associated with atherosclerosis.

METHODS

The computed tomography data sets of 292 consecutive patients, 137 women and 155 men with a mean age of 54.1±17.3 years, were analyzed. Caries were quantified based on the number of decayed surfaces of all the teeth, and periodontitis was quantified on the basis of the horizontal bone loss in the jaw. The presence of chronic apical periodontitis (CAP) was assessed, and the aortic atherosclerotic burden was quantified using a calcium scoring method.

RESULTS

The patients with <1 caries surfaces/tooth had a lower atherosclerotic burden (0.13±0.61 mL) than patients with ≥1 caries surfaces/tooth. The atherosclerotic burden was greater in patients with a higher number of lesions with pulpal involvement and more teeth with chronic apical periodontitis. In the logistical regression models, age (Wald 49.3), number of caries per tooth (Wald 26.4), periodontitis (Wald 8.6), and male gender (Wald 11) were found to be independent risk factors for atherosclerosis. In the linear regression analyses, age and the number of decayed surfaces per tooth were identified as influencing factors associated with a higher atherosclerotic burden, and the number of restorations per tooth was associated with a lower atherosclerotic burden.

CONCLUSION

Dental caries, pulpal caries, and chronic apical periodontitis are associated positively, while restorations are associated inversely, with aortic atherosclerotic burden. Prospective studies are required to confirm these observations and answer the question of possible causality.

Caries risk and periodontitis in patients with coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

There is considerable variation in studies on the oral health of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The aims of this investigation are to study the caries risk profile using the Cariogram computer program and the periodontal disease severity in patients with CAD.

METHODS

A total of 127 participants (54 test and 73 control) were included. Participants were asked about their general health and daily habits. Clinical examinations, radiographs, and salivary sampling were performed. Cariologic data were entered into the computer program for risk-profile illustration. The onset of CAD conditions was also documented.

RESULTS

Compared with controls, participants with CAD consumed less sugar, used fluoride toothpaste less frequently, and had significantly less favorable periodontal parameters (P <0.005). Generally, differences in cariologic parameters between the two groups were not significant. Significantly more participants with CAD exhibited low salivary-secretion rates than controls. The actual chance (percentage) of avoiding new cavities according to the Cariogram was low in the test and control groups (31% and 40%, respectively; P <0.05). Only gingival recession was correlated with the onset of CAD.

CONCLUSIONS

Test and control groups had a relatively high caries risk. More severe periodontal disease was observed in participants with CAD.

Carotid artery calcification in ischemic stroke patients detected in standard dental panoramic radiographs - a preliminary study

PURPOSE

Examine the prevalence of carotid artery calcifications in standard dental panoramic radiographs (OPT), their association to gender, medical history and oral status. Assess the predictive value of a dental OPT in early diagnosis of carotid artery calcifications.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fourteen patients admitted to Geneva University Hospital for recent ischemic stroke and stenosis of the carotid artery confirmed by Duplex sonography. All OPTs were digitised and subsequently assessed independently by two operators.

RESULTS

From 21 carotid artery calcifications detected with Doppler sonography 15 were visible on the corresponding OPT, most of them on the right side (n=11). No correlation was found between the side of calcification and cerebral lesion. Hypertension and periodontal disease were the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Dentists who either detect carotid artery calcifications in OPTs or see patients with severe periodontitis should consider a prophylactic specialist examination.