Meaning of the Oral Hygiene in Children, Due to Atherosclerosis Generation

Research focused on association between periodontal diseases and atherosclerosis has been substantial in recent years. It is now well known that chronic inflammation plays an important role in initiation and evolution of atherosclerosis. The bacterial plaque is a key pathology leading to periodontal inflammation. As reported by other authors, bacteria causing periodontal disease were found within the carotid arteries in adults, thus association between periodontal disease in childhood and peripheral vascular disease seem justifiable. The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential link between certain bacteria found in children with periodontal disease and the process of atherosclerosis in adults. Research was carried out in 97 children of which 58 aged between 6-14 comprised an experimental group, whereas 39 children aged of 6-13 comprised the control group. Based on physical examination, the oral hygiene in children of the experimental group was average or bad, while in children of the control group the oral hygiene was good. Blood samples and subgingival plaques were obtained to proceed with microbiological testing by PCR technique. The results of tests showed Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in 55% and Prevotella intermedia in 79% of children in the experimental group. Only 2 cases of Prevotella intermedia were detected in the control group, however, no cases of Porphyromnas gingivalis were found in either groups. Full blood count, serum homocysteine, CRP, fibrinogen and HDL cholesterol values were normal in both groups. Total cholesterol value was increased in 24,14% in the experimental group vs. 5,15% in the control group, thus increase of total serum cholesterol concentration in children with bad oral hygiene may by a risk factor of atherosclerosis.