Patients with higher tooth loss have a greater prevalence of carotid artery calcification. - GreenMedInfo Summary
C-reactive protein levels and the association of carotid artery calcification with tooth loss.
Oral Dis. 2016 Aug 27. Epub 2016 Aug 27. PMID: 27566532
Supanee Thanakun
OBJECTIVES: The relationship between carotid artery calcification (CAC) and tooth loss was investigated and its association with inflammatory mediator levels was evaluated.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Ninety-two participants were examined for health and periodontal status. Panoramic radiographs were obtained for CAC identification. C-reactive protein (CRP), intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) levels were measured.
RESULTS: Fifteen participants (16.3%) had CAC, 12 (80.0%) of whom were female. Mean age of participants with CAC was 55.3±12.2 years while that of participants without CAC was 48.9±9.4 years. Median number of tooth loss in participants with CAC was 11 whereas that of individuals without CAC was 3 (p=0.008). Age and presence of CAC were associated with the number of tooth loss, independent of health status (ß=0.452,p=<0.001 andß=0.257, p=0.005). Based on CRP levels, 10 participants (71.4%) were at intermediate risk of coronary heart disease (range, 1.0-2.3 μg/mL) while four participants (28.6%) were at low risk (<1.0μg/mL). CRP, ICAM-1, or VCAM-1 levels were not significantly related to the presence of CAC or tooth loss.
CONCLUSIONS: Patients with higher tooth loss have a greater prevalence of CAC. Patients with CAC should be referred for medical consultation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.