Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Investigating Aortic Valve Calcification via Isolation and Culture of T Lymphocytes using Feeder Cells from Irradiated Buffy Coat
Published on: February 4, 2021
Tooth loss is independently associated with the risk of acquired aortic valve sclerosis
Henry Völzke1, Christian Schwahn, Astrid Hummel
1Institute of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Ernst Moritz Arndt University, Greifswald, Germany. voelzke@uni-greifswald.de
Background:
Several studies have shown that periodontal disease and atherosclerosis are associated. Aortic valve sclerosis (AVS) represents the sum of processes that are similar to the development of atherosclerosis. The present analysis was performed to investigate associations between periodontal disease, tooth loss, and AVS.
Methods:
The population-based SHIP was conducted in northeast Germany. A study population of 2341 individuals aged > or =45 years was available for the present analysis. Aortic valve sclerosis was determined by echocardiography. Periodontal status was assessed by attachment loss and tooth loss.
Results:
The prevalence of AVS was 29.9%. Logistic regression analyses did not reveal attachment loss as an independent risk factor for AVS. However, a reduced number of teeth was independently associated with AVS. Other risk factors for AVS were age, history of myocardial infarction, body mass index, pulse pressure, plasma fibrinogen and lipoprotein (a) levels, and the use of drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system.
Conclusion:
A reduced number of teeth was independently associated with the risk of AVS. This finding further strengthens the link between oral health and cardiovascular disorders.
Related Concept Videos
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
Aneurysm I: Introduction
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
