Hypertension and periodontal status in Senegalese patients: A case-control study

Introduction: Hypertension is a public health concern worldwide due to its known consequences. The literature has shown a close relationship between periodontal disease and systemic diseases, especially hypertension. The objective of this study was to determine the periodontal risk factors involved in the occurrence or severity of hypertension in a population of patients attending the cardiology department of Fann University Hospital located in an urban Dakar region. Methodology: This was a case-control study involving 246 patients of whom 123 were hypertensive patients (cases) and 123 non-hypertensive patients (controls). The data collected include sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, risk factors, and data on hypertension and on periodontal disease: plaque index, papillary bleeding index, clinical attachment loss, pocket depth and community periodontal index and treatment needs (CPITN). Data in univariate analysis were expressed as proportions and averages and odd ratios with their confidence intervals. Results: The average age in the cases group was 58 ± 11.4 years and 34.5 ± 14.2 years in the control group. The body mass index (BMI) averaged 27.1 ± 6 kg/m2 and 23.2 ± 4.6 kg/m2 respectively in cases and controls. Hypertensive patients had on average more severe periodontal characteristics than non-hypertensives (PAC of 2.8 ± 1859 versus 0.8 ± 1.325) (CPITN 2.5 ± 0.998 versus 1.2 ± 1.074) and the risk of developing hypertension adjusted for age, physical inactivity, heredity and other parameters was twice more when the patient had periodontitis. Conclusion: It is necessary to have a more integrated approach in the management of hypertension, which should take into account oro-dental factors.