Oral Health Condition and Cardiovascular Disease in Greece: Results of a Questionnaire Research

Objective: The aim of the current report was to examine the association between indices of oral health condition and cardiovascular disease in an adult Greek population. Material and Methods:1,026 individuals derived from two medical and one dental practice consisted the study sample. The participants underwent an oral and dental clinical examination and answered a questionnaire regarding oral health, dental care habits, cardiovascular disease, socio-economic and educational status. Odd ratios for all cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and the subgroup stroke, myocardial infarction and hypertension were assessed with a logistic regression model adjusted for age, gender, smoking, educational and socio-economic status. Results: After carrying out the logistic regression analysis model, an association between moderate/severe gingival inflammation (GI) and all CVD in general was observed (p=0.04, OR=1.87), and hypertension (p=0.03, OR= 1.73). There was also an association between severe PlI and all CVD (p=0.022, OR=1.78), and hypertension (p=0.015, OR=1.88). Moreover, an association was found between BOP all CVD (p=0.01, OR= 1.89), and hypertension (p=0.005, OR= 1.98). Conclusion: The results indicated that oral health and, especially gingival inflammation (GI), plaque accumulation (PlI) and presence of bleeding on probing (BOP) were associated with CVD and hypertension.