[Clinics and Practice 2012; 2:e86] [page 221]

Dentist and oral health screening may be the latest weapon in identifying persons at risk of cardiovascular disease. Oral infections, specifically periodontitis, may confer inde-pendent risks for different systemic condi-tions. The risk factors associated with cardio-vascular diseases also suggest that the rela-tionship between periodontal disease and dia-betes works in both ways. The aim of this study was to support and strengthen the association and relationship between oral hygiene status of individuals with cardiovascular diseases and its associated risk factors. A simple ran-dom sampling was carried out in 200 inhabi-tants of Western Utter Pradesh, India. An oral health visit and examination was made for an equal number of males and females of differ-ent age groups with cardiovascular diseases. Evaluation of the oral status was made by means of an oral hygiene index, community periodontal index of treatment needs and loss of attachment. Evaluation of oral status in patients with cardiovascular diseases and in the control group has shown a statistically sig-nificant low level of oral health in patients with cardiovascular diseases as compared to con-trol. Prevalence of systemic diseases in differ-ent age groups significantly correlated with the prevalence of severe periodontal diseases. Treating gum disease may reduce the risk of heart disease and improve health outcomes for patients with periodontal disease and vascular heart problems