Higher Rates of Carotid Artery Calcification and Pulp Stones Found in Diabetics: Study

A new retrospective observational study published in BMC Endocrine Disorders reports that individuals with diabetes mellitus have significantly higher rates of carotid artery calcifications (CACs) and dental pulp stones compared to non-diabetic controls, based on routine panoramic radiographs. Among 107 diabetic patients, 41.1% showed evidence of CACs versus only 14% in 300 healthy individuals—a relative risk (RR) of 2.60 (P < 0.05). Similarly, pulp stones were present in 38.3% of diabetics compared to 21.3% of controls, translating to an RR of 1.8 (95% CI: 1.3–2.48, P < 0.05) mdpi.com+4bmcendocrdisord.biomedcentral.com+4pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+4. These findings suggest that panoramic radiographic screening—commonly used in dental practices—can reveal incidental signs of systemic calcification and dental pulp changes, making it a practical tool for early risk detection. Detecting CACs may signal underlying atherosclerosis and increased cardiovascular risk, while pulp stones may correlate with chronic inflammation and metabolic disturbances present in diabetes mdpi.com. Given the accessibility of panoramic imaging and its ability to capture both jaw structures and adjacent cervical anatomy, the study recommends incorporating it into routine dental examinations for diabetic patients. Early identification of these radiographic markers could prompt timely referral to endocrinologists or cardiologists for preventive strategies, including tighter glycemic control and cardiovascular risk management. While the cross-sectional design limits causal inferences, the statistically significant associations underline the need for further longitudinal research. For now, panoramic radiography could offer dual diagnostic value—monitoring dental health and flagging potential systemic complications in one scan.