Periodontitis related to cardiovascular events and mortality: a long-time longitudinal study

OBJECTIVE: The present study assessed if individuals ≥ 60 years of age with periodontitis are more likely to develop stroke or ischemic heart diseases, or at a higher risk of death for 17 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: At baseline individuals ≥ 60 received a dental examination including a panoramic radiograph. Periodontitis was defined as having ≥ 30% sites with ≥ 5-mm distance from the cementoenamel junction to the marginal bone level. Medical records were annually reviewed from 2001 to 2018. Findings from the medical records identifying an ICD-10 code of stroke and ischemic heart diseases or death were registered. RESULTS: Associations between periodontitis and incidence of ischemic heart disease were found in this 17-year follow-up study in all individuals 60–93 years (HR: 1.5, CI: 1.1–2.1, p = 0.017), in women (HR: 2.1, CI: 1.3–3.4, p = 0.002), and in individuals 78–96 years (HR: 1.7, CI: 1.0–2.6, p = 0.033). Periodontitis was associated with mortality in all individuals (HR: 1.4, CI: 1.2–1.8, p = 0.002), specifically in men (HR: 1.5, CI: 1.1–1.9, p = 0.006) or in ages 60–72 years (HR: 2.2, CI: 1.5–3.2, p = 0.000). Periodontitis was more prevalent among men (OR: 1.8, CI: 1.3–2.4, p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with periodontitis have an increased risk for future events of ischemic heart diseases and death. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Improving periodontal health in older individuals may reduce overall mortality and ischemic heart diseases. Both dental and medical professionals should be aware of the associations and ultimately cooperate.