The condition of oral cavity hygiene and periodontium in post-myocardial infarction patients

Introduction
Poor oral hygiene is one of the main factors in the higher risk of dental caries and periodontal diseases and it may also affect the general health of the patient.

Objectives
The aim of the study was to assess the oral cavity condition, specifically the oral hygiene and periodontium status, in post-myocardial infarction patients.

Material and methods
The research was based on 80 people, 32 women and 48 men aged 34-82. Within this sample of 80 people, 50 post-MI patients, 30 subjects with no cardiovascular diseases. To assess the hygiene and periodontal treatment needs the Oral Hygiene Index (OHI) and Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) were used.

Results
51.3% of post-MI patients had dental plaque (OHI = 1), 46.2% supra- as well as subgingival deposits (OHI = 2), 2.6% subgingival deposits (OHI = 3). In the control group 70% of the patients had good oral hygiene, but dental plaque (OHI = 2) was observed in 13.3%, and calculus (OHI = 2) in 16.7% of this group. In 79.5% of post-MI patients and only in 16.7% of the control group dental pocket depth < 3 mm (CPI = 2) was measured. These differences were statistically significant. The periodontium condition in female post-MI patients was worse; CPI = 2 was measured in 90% vs. 75.9% in male patients. None of the post-MI patients had a satisfactory perio-dontal tissues condition. Periodontal treatment needs were higher in the research group.

Conclusion
Within this sample of patients, it was found that the group of post-MI patients had poorer oral hygiene, worse periodontium condition and a higher need for periodontal treatments.