Carotid artery calcification in panoramic radiographs tied to oral infections and mortality: Study

The cohort was followed‐up for 10 years or until death (median 9.9, range 0.21–10.4) via linkage to the national death register. The statistical models were adjusted for age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia.

The results showed that-

a. A total of 102 (20.7%) patients had detectable CAC, which was moderate in 81 (16.4%) and severe in 21 (4.3%).

b. CAC was associated (OR, 95% CI) with severe apical periodontitis (2.25, 1.15–4.41), root canal fillings (1.15, 1.04–1.26), alveolar bone loss (2.66, 1.21–5.84), severe periodontal inflammation (2.23, 1.11–4.47), high level of gram‐negative subgingival species (2.73, 1.34–5.50), saliva IgG against dysbiotic species (1.05, 1.01–1.10/unit) and severe (2.58, 1.36–4.90) and chronic (2.13, 1.15–3.93) CAD.

c. A total of 105 (20.7%) patients died during the follow‐up and 53 (10.4%) deaths were because of cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

d. Severe CAC predicted worse survival with HRs (95% CI) of 3.08 (1.58–6.06) for all‐cause and 3.43 (1.42–8.25) for CVD death.

Hence, the authors concluded that "CAC on panoramic tomography was associated with (i) apical and marginal periodontitis and dysbiotic bacterial species giving rise to an immunological response, and with (ii) severe, chronic CAD and increased mortality."

The results further emphasize the role of oral infections in coronary artery disease and the importance of referring a patient with CAC for a cardiovascular evaluation, they further added.