Poor Childhood Oral Health and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Abstract Background: In adults, poor oral health, such as periodontal disease, is associated to increased circulating inflammatory markers and cardiovascular disease risk. To detect subclinical atherosclerosis, carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) is a radiological technique used in adults and children. A meta-analysis of 11 studies demonstrated the significant increase in IMT in adults in with periodontal disease. Purpose: Examine the evidence concerning poor oral health and increased IMT in children. Methods. Following the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews and PRISMA checklist, we conducted a systematic review. We searched on the Cochrane Database, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINHAL for publications in French and English, from inception until March 2023. Two researchers independently reviewed each article and applied inclusion and exclusion criteria to screen for eligibility. Risk of bias was also assessed using the GRADE approach. Results. The literature search yielded 40 articles, and 2 were included. Mean age for both studies was 9.84 years (49.8% female), with an age range of 6-17 years old. Both studies concluded that an association exists between IMT and chronic buccodental status in children. Moreover, childhood oral infections were linked to subclinical atherosclerosis in adulthood. Conclusion. This association has important clinical implications for treatment and preventive measures in evaluating the risk factors for early cardiovascular disease in children.