Association between subclinical atherosclerosis and oral inflammation: A cross-sectional study

Background The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between carotid intima-media thickness (c-IMT) values and periodontal and peri-implant diseases in a sample of patients with hypertension. Methods A total of 151 participants with presence of at least one dental implant in function for >5 years were recruited. Anthropometric measurements, 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, ultrasound assessment of carotid arteries (c-IMT and presence of plaque) were recorded and venous blood samples obtained. An oral examination was performed by calibrated examiners to ascertain prevalence and severity of periodontal and peri-implant diseases. Binomial logistic regression was performed to investigate the potential association between various measures of exposure of dental diseases and predictors of cardiovascular risk (c-IMT > 0.9 mm and presence of plaque or their combination). Results Diagnosis of periodontitis (OR 6.71, 95% CI: 2.68-16.76, P < 0.001), cumulative mucosal/gingival inflammation (Periodontal Screening and Recording score) (OR 1.25, 95% CI:1.12-1.41, P < 0.001), and mucositis (OR 3.34, 95% CI:1.13-9.85, P < 0.05) were associated with c-IMT > 0.9 mm and/or plaque presence independent of age, sex, smoking, 24 h systolic blood pressure and body mass index differences. No statistically significant results were noted for peri-implantitis. Linear regression models confirmed a positive association of cumulative mucosal/gingival inflammation (beta = 0.011, SE 0.002, P < 0.001), diagnosis of periodontitis (beta = 0.114, SE 0.020, P < 0.001), and peri-implant diseases (beta = 0.011, SE 0.002, P < 0.001) with increased c-IMT values. Conclusions This study confirms a positive association between mucosal/gingival inflammation and subclinical atherosclerosis assessed by c-IMT values and the presence of carotid plaque in patients with hypertension, independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Future studies are needed to further characterize this relationship.

Automated summary

This cross-sectional study investigated the association between carotid intima-media thickness (c-IMT) values and periodontal and peri-implant diseases in patients with hypertension. The study found a positive association between mucosal/gingival inflammation and subclinical atherosclerosis, as well as the presence of carotid plaque. These associations were independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors.