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Endodontic variables and coronary heart disease.
Fredrik Frisk1, Magnus Hakeberg, Margareta Ahlqwist
1Department of Endodontology/Oral Diagnosis, Sahlgrenska Academy, Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden. Fredrik.Frisk@lio.se
Acta Odontologica Scandinavica
|February 7, 2004
Summary
This study found no significant link between endodontic disease (root-filled teeth or teeth with periapical disease) and coronary heart disease (CHD). Age and tooth loss were the only significant predictors of CHD in the studied women.
Area of Science:
- Oral Health and Cardiology
- Dental Public Health Research
Background:
- Dental infections, particularly endodontic disease, are hypothesized to contribute to atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease (CHD).
- Previous research primarily focused on periodontal disease, leaving endodontic variables understudied as potential CHD risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between endodontic disease indicators and the prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD).
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study of 1056 women (aged 38-84) in Göteborg, Sweden, combining dental and medical assessments.
- Coronary heart disease (CHD) was defined as angina pectoris and/or myocardial infarction history.
- Independent variables included number of root-filled teeth (RF), teeth with periapical radiolucencies (PA), tooth loss (TL), and various medical/lifestyle factors.
Main Results:
- Multivariate analysis showed no significant association between endodontic variables (RF, PA) and CHD.
- Age and tooth loss (TL) were significant predictors of CHD (OR=1.07 and OR=2.70, respectively).
- Bivariate analysis indicated a potential association between 2 root-filled teeth and CHD, but not periapical disease.
Conclusions:
- This study did not establish a significant link between endodontically treated teeth or teeth with periapical disease and coronary heart disease.
- Age and tooth loss remain significant risk factors for CHD in this population.