ABSTRACT
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 «cases¼ 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.
