Denture-related stomatitis is associated with endothelial dysfunction

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Oral Medicine
• Gerontology

Background:

• Oral inflammation, including periodontitis, is associated with endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, and vascular dysfunction.
• The link between vascular dysfunction and denture-related stomatitis (DRS) remains unclear.
• Shared risk factors like smoking, diabetes, age, and obesity may connect oral health and vascular conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate endothelial function and vascular disease risk factors in patients with and without denture-related stomatitis (DRS).

Main Methods:

• A study involving 44 denture patients, with 20 diagnosed with DRS and 24 without.
• Assessment of endothelial function via flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and nitroglycerin-induced vasorelaxation (NMD).
• Measurement of intima-media thickness (IMT) and evaluation of vascular risk factors including blood pressure, cholesterol, CRP, and triglycerides.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were observed in major vascular risk factors, blood pressure, total cholesterol, or CRP between DRS and non-DRS groups.
• Flow-mediated dilation (FMD), a measure of endothelial function, was significantly lower in patients with DRS compared to those without.
• Nitroglycerin-induced vasorelaxation (NMD) and intima-media thickness (IMT) were similar between groups. Triglyceride levels were higher in the DRS group but did not correlate with FMD or NMD.

Conclusions:

• Denture-related stomatitis (DRS) is associated with endothelial dysfunction in elderly denture wearers.
• Diabetes and smoking are identified as risk factors contributing to both DRS and cardiovascular disease.
• DRS may serve as an indicator of increased cardiovascular risk, particularly in older adults with these comorbidities.