Orofacial Features and Their Correlation in Cardiovascular Diseases

BACKGROUND: The association between cardiovascular diseases and periodontitis had different pathophysiological mechanisms involved. These mechanisms are both inflammatory and microbial. Furthermore, the possible association between two diseases can be explained by common risk factors. AIMS: The present trial was carried out to establish a relation between coronary artery disease and periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty-six participants advised for the angiography were included. Periodontists determined the presence of periodontitis in all participants followed by lipid profile, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and blood coronary angiography was then performed. The collected data were subjected to the statistical analysis, and the results were formulated. RESULTS: The level of CRP in participants with and without coronary artery disease was 0.66 ± 1.52 and 0.53 ± 1.01, respectively, which was nonsignificant with a P = 0.63. Nonstatistically significant difference was seen in values of cholesterol and blood glucose in participants with and without coronary artery disease (P = 0.28 and P = 0.53). The mean tooth loss in participants with coronary artery disease was 14.2 ± 6.4 and in participants with no coronary artery disease was 11.8 ± 6.5, and such difference was statistically significant (P = 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study establishes an association between poor oral health, periodontitis, and coronary artery disease. This study demonstrates that tooth loss which is an important feature of periodontitis is significantly associated with coronary artery disease.