Risk for the development of atherosclerosis in women with a high amount [corrected] of dental plaque and severe gingival inflammation

Abstract Introduction: Chronic infection and inflammation are considered to be risk factors in the development of cardiovascular diseases; the chronic inflammatory and microbial burden caused by the dental plaque in these individuals may predispose them to atherosclerotic process. Aims: The aims were to study the involvement of a high level of dental plaque, severe gingival inflammation and periodontitis in the development of early atherosclerotic process in women. Methods: Forty‐six randomly chosen women with periodontitis and 21 periodontally healthy women were subjected to a comprehensive clinical oral examination, including oral hygiene status and level of gingival inflammation. Atherosclerotic risk factor analysis and carotid ultrasonography were performed. Common carotid artery intima‐media thickness (IMT) and lumen diameter were measured and intima‐media area (cIMA) was calculated. The following statistical methods were used: analysis of variance, chi‐squared tests and multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: There were highly significant differences between the patients and controls in the amount of dental plaque, gingival inflammation as well as bleeding on probing and pocket depth. The mean values of IMT and cIMA were significantly higher in women with periodontal disease than in controls. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified periodontitis as a principal‐independent predictor of both the common carotid artery cIMA and IMT. Conclusions: The present results indicate that a high amount of dental plaque, severe gingival inflammation as well as periodontitis seem to be associated with the development of atherosclerotic lesions in women already at its early and subclinical stages.