Oral hygiene levels and oral cavity pro-health behaviours of patients with cardiovascular diseases

Introduction. Studies in the relationships between periodontal diseases and cardiovascular diseases are one of the main research areas in contemporary periodontology. The data published in recent years indicate periodontitis as one of the potential risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) and myocardial infarction (MI). Thus the population with cardiovascular diseases is recommended as a target for dental prophylaxis and pro-health educational programmes. Aim of the study. The aim of this study was the assessment of oral hygiene levels and dental pro-health behaviours among patients with CHD and MI. Material and methods. The study encompassed 86 individuals with MI (group 1), and 84 persons with stable CHD (group 2). The control group comprised 50 persons without cardiovascular diseases. Clinical examinations of oral hygiene level using API, gingivitis level using mSBI, and an individual questionnaire regarding dental pro-health behaviours and oral hygiene maintenance methods were performed. Results. Low oral hygiene levels were observed in the examined groups (mean API value: 68.72%, 68.44%, and 60% respectively). Data from the questionnaires revealed a lack of proper periodontal prophylaxis. Gum bleeding was not considered as a pathological symptom, about 60% of patients never participated in oral hygiene training, and the frequency of dental control check-ups and professional hygiene procedures was too low. Only a few percent of patients cleaned interdental spaces. Conclusions. The results obtained indicate a low level of dental pro-health behaviours and could support recommendations regarding the necessity of educational, prophylactic and treatment programmes for patients with CHD / MI – performed by dentists / periodontologists and cardiologists together