BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to investigate
the associations between oral health status and presence
of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in elderly patients.
METHODS: The study population consisted of 533 patients
(308 females, 225 males) aged 65 to 98 years. The mean age
of patients was 73.93 (±7.8 standard deviation (SD)). Patients
were asked to visit the Geriatric Dentistry Department of
“Policlinico Umberto I” of Rome for a routine check of their
oral health status. All subjects gave informed, signed consent
to participate in the study. A predesigned medical history
questionnaire including social status, habits, medical history,
general health and drug assumption were filled by each
patient. Medical history, particularly focused on CV D and
common atherosclerotic risk factors (arterial hypertension,
diabetes, body mass index, etc.) have been recorded. Dental
status was detected measuring the Decayed, Missing, and
Filled Teeth (DMFT) and Community Periodontal Index
(CPI) indexes. Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index
(GOHAI ) was also used to evaluate masticatory function,
oral self-perception and psychosocial impact on patients.
The chi-square test with a 95% confidence level was used
to assess qualitative variables. Odds ratios (ORs) and stepwise
logistic regression were used to calculate risk estimates;
the independent variables: age, gender, DMFT, CPI index,
GOHAI index score, and tooth loss were included in the statistical
model. P value <0.05 was considered a statistically significant cut-off.
RESULT S:S: The mean of the DMFT was 13.8 (SD: 7.1).
Among all patients, 8.6% (n = 46) had more than 12 decayed
teeth, 43.7% (n = 233) had more than 12 missing teeth. A total
of 122 patients (52.4%) had more than 18 missing teeth. No
difference between females and males was seen in DMFT
and CPI index. GOHAI data were worst for females and it
significantly decreased with age. Vascular diseases affected
69.8% of subjects (n = 372). Patients with CVD had less education
and oral care (P < 0.05), higher CPI index and lower
of filled teeth (P < 0.05). Moreover, the number of missing
teeth was higher in patients with vascular disease and patients
with more than 18 missing teeth have 2.5 times greater risk of
CVD. CVDs are also associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus,
underweight, and obesity (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONS: From the finding of this study, it can be
confirmed a significant link between CVD and oral health. A
cooperation among geriatrician, cardiologist, and dentist is
suitable to counteract the development of CVD and to early
identify patients risk of CVD
