Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to provide primary informations for developing dental health program which must be necessary for cardiovascular disease patients. To conduct this study we analyses the oral health condition of cardiovascular disease patients through oral examination (DMFT index, periodontal index, oral hygiene status) and evaluate oral health behavior through questionnaires survey April 2006 to June 2006. For patients group, we select 50 cardiovascular disease patients who have hypertension, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis or myocardial infarction by taking the health examination for the local insured which National Health Insurance Corporation carried out at Sungju area in Gyeongsangbuk-do. And for the controls, we select 50 persons who have normal healthy condition and match the age and sex to patients group. This study showed that DMFT mean values in cardiovascular disease patients were significantly higher than that in controls (p<0.05). Decay teeth index and Filling teeth index did not differ statistically between two groups but the mean Missing teeth index was significantly higher in cardiovascular disease patients than that in controls (p<0.05). PI (Periodontal Index) mean values were significantly higher in cardiovascular disease patients than in the controls(p<0.01). In the cardiovascular disease patients, the M component of the DMFT index was found to be higher as compared to the controls. Cardiovascular disease patients lose their teeth mainly due to periodontal disease, which is supported by the increased PI mean values.

• Keywords: Cardiovascular disease, Oral health condition, Periodontal disease;