ABSTRACT
Exist a statistically significant association between a diagnosis of coronary heart disease and certain oral health parameters. These parameters are independent and more strongly associated with coronary heart disease than were recognized risk factors, such as serum cholesterol levels, body mass index, diabetes and smoking status. The correlation between serum and salivary cholesterol concentration and the role of salivary lipids in oral health have been poorly characterized. Lipids in saliva are mostly glandular in origin, through some may diffuse diffuse directly from the serum. The surface of the enamel (in case of dietary fat which have an cariostatic effect) is protected against demineralization by a mixture of salivary lipids and proteins. Salivary lipids may have anucleating role in the early mineralization of the dental plaque. The prevalence of periodontal disease may be increased in patients with atherosclerosis, and dental and periodontal infections have been shown to be associated with occurrence of acute and chronic coronary heart disease. Among the known risk factors of atherosclerosis, high serum lipid levels, especially cholesterol may be important with regard to periodontal health.
