Periodontal conditions of essential hypertension attendees to a general hospital in Hong Kong

BACKGROUND Periodontal infection may induce systemic vascular/endothelial dysfunction signifying a potential link between hypertension and periodontitis. METHODS A convenience sample of 204 adults attending a university teaching hospital without (C: control) or with essential hypertension [EH; n = 102, duration (mean ± SD) 11.4 ± 6.9 years] was surveyed in this cross sectional study. Patients with concomitant systemic conditions were excluded. Dental history, oral hygiene habits and blood pressure were recorded. Plaque score (Pl%), bleeding on probing (BOP%), probing pocket depth (PPD) and probing attachment level (PAL) were noted and periodontitis severity was determined according to AAP/CDC case definition guidelines. RESULTS Both groups exhibited poor oral hygiene. EH group had higher mean full-mouth PAL/PPD (3.16/2.73 vs. 2.51/2.40, P