Relationship between Periodontal Disease, Dental Caries and the Risk Indicators for Cardiovascular Disease in Lagos, Nigeria.

Background: Inflammatory processes in the oral cavity have been linked to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases while periodontitis and dental caries are some of the most common inflammatory diseases worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the association between dental caries and periodontitis with cardiovascular disease among a cohort of Nigerian patients.

Methods: This was a descriptive study conducted at the Cardiology clinic of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Nigeria. Information was obtained directly from patients and their clinical notes using structured interviewer-administered, pretested, close-ended questionnaires. Demographic data, cardiovascular disease risk factors and specific diagnosis, anthropometric measures, periodontal and caries status were determined. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis using the sociodemographic and clinical variables were used to estimate Odds ratios (ORs), adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of individual-level factors. Statistical significance was set at p <0.05, and all tests were two-tailed.

Results: Respondents who had diabetes, those with low HDL, those with a primary level of education, those who smoke cigarettes (OR: 9.69; CI: 3.27,14.83) and those with poor systolic and diastolic blood pressure control had higher odds of caries experience. Respondents who were aged above 35 years (OR: 1.43; CI: 1.26,3.12), overweight or obese (OR: 1.31; CI: 1.22,2.98), diabetic (OR: 7.40; CI: 1.24,17.03]), those with a primary level of education (OR: 3.24; CI: 2.42, 10.42), those who smoke cigarettes (OR: 10.54; CI: 2.44,18.19) and those who drink alcohol (OR: 10.54; CI: 2.44,18.19] also had significantly higher odds of clinical attachment loss.

Conclusion: A common risk-factor-approach, which is in line with the WHO Global policy for improving oral health in the 21st century, is advocated, because health risks are linked, preventable, and related to lifestyle. Thus, oral and general health promotion should be integrated.