Arterial hypertension and oral disease in adolescents

AIM To establish significant associations between hypertension and the presence and severity of common oral diseases in adolescents. MATERIAL AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was conductedWith participation of 130 adolescents, from which 2 groups were formed, matched by sex and age (n=65; 38 boys and 28 girls in each group). Inclusion criteria: age 10-17 years; hypertension for inclusion in the group of «cases» and a normal level of blood pressure for inclusion in the control group; informed voluntary consent to participate in the study. A diagnosis of hypertension was confirmed by daily monitoring of blood pressure. The frequency and severity of the clinical manifestations of the main oral diseases: caries, gingivitis, periodontitis were evaluated in the groups. Regression models have been adjusted for the index of oral hygiene and body weight. RESULTS Hypertensive adolescents were significantly likely to have dental caries (50 (77% vs 32 (49%), p=0.001), periodontitis (26 (40%) vs 6 (9%), p=0.001) and moderate to severe gingivitis (12 (18%) vs 2 (3%), p=0.009), than in the control group. In the adjusted regression models, significant associations of hypertension with periodontitis (OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.4-10.5) and dental caries (OR 3, 95% CI 1.3-7.1) were established. It is also shown that hypertension is associated with more pronounced signs of periodontal inflammation (OR 3, CI 1.6-5.6). CONCLUSION Results suggest that hypertension in adolescents is associated with poorer oral health. It is advisable to take this into account when developing a synergistic approach to the medical support of these patients, aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk in the long term.