Cervical vertebrae maturation: a blinded trial study.

This blinded trial was conducted to analyze possible correlations between the cervical vertebrae maturation method (CVM) and the mineralization of mandibular teeth as described by Demirjian et al. (TMS). Panoramic and cephalometric radiographs of 500 orthodontic patients were analyzed by two blinded operators. TMS was utilized to analyze mineralization of second molar, second and first premolar and canine on the left side of the mandible; CVM stage was also evaluated. A blinded statistician performed statistical correlations and multiple regression analysis. Significant relations between CVM and TMS stages were identified for each tooth. Significant age differences resulted for CVM, second molar and second premolar (p<0.05). Significant correlations for second molar were observed between TMS D and CVM I-II, TMS G and CVM III, TMS H and CVM V-VI (p less than 0.01). Second molar stage G for both sexes indicates the ongoing of growth spurt. Stage G for boys and stage H for girls correlate significantly with the late part of PGS.

The association between burning mouth syndrome and sleep disturbance: A case-control multicentre study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the quality of sleep and the psychological profiles of a large cohort of Italian patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS) and to clarify the relationships between these variables and pain. METHODS: In this case-control study, 200 patients with BMS vs an equal number of age- and sex-matched healthy controls, recruited in 10 universities, were enrolled. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A), Numeric Pain Intensity Scale (NRS) and Total Pain Rating Index (T-PRI) were administered. Descriptive statistics, including the Mann-Whitney U test and hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis, were used. RESULTS: Poor sleep quality (PSQI ≥ 5) was present in 78.8% (160) patients with BMS. BMS patients had statistically higher scores in all items of the PSQI and ESS than the healthy controls (p < .001). A depressed mood and anxiety correlated positively with sleep disturbance. The Pearson correlations were 0.570 for the PSQI vs HAM-D (p < .001) and 0.549 for the PSQI vs HAM-A (p < .001). Pain intensity (NRS) poorly correlated to sleep quality; the Pearson correlation was 0.162 for the PSQI vs NRS (p = .021). CONCLUSIONS: The BMS patients showed a poor sleep quality, anxiety and depression, as compared with the controls, highlighting the relationships between oral burning, sleep and mood.

Clonal analysis as a prognostic factor in multiple oral squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: A novel classification based on molecular methods to assess clonality defines three types of secondary oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC): second primary tumour (SPT) independent from the index tumour, local recurrence (LR), clonally related to the primary tumour, and second field tumour (SFT), derived from the same genetically altered mucosal field as the primary tumour. The present study applied mtDNA analysis in a group of patients experiencing a second loco-regional neoplastic manifestation. The purpose was to differentiate secondary tumours into LRs, SPTs and SFTs and evaluate the prognostic impact in terms of survival rate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population comprised 23 patients who experienced a second neoplastic lesion after a surgical resection of primary OSCC. mtDNA D-loop analysis was applied in paired neoplastic lesions and in clinically and histologically normal mucosa. On the basis of mtDNA results, the second OSCC was classified as LR or SPT or SFT. Disease-free survival was defined as the duration between the appearance of the second neoplastic lesion and death of disease, or last follow-up visit. RESULTS: Seven secondary tumours were classified as LR, 12 as SFT, 4 as SPT. An altered mucosal field proved a variable significantly related to a better survival rate (p<0.05); 2/12 (16.6%) SFT events failed as compared to 5/7 LRs (71.4%) and 3/4 SPTs (75%). CONCLUSION: mtDNA analysis may be considered a useful tool to differentiate secondary tumours and might influence the choice of the most appropriate treatment in patients with multiple OSCCs.

Ki-67 and p53 expression in ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma: a case report and literature review.

Ghost cell odontogenic carcinomas are rare neoplasms that arise in the maxillary bones either from a calcifying odontogenic cyst or de novo. They are aggressive locally and can metastasize. We report herein a case of a ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma arising in the mandible of a Caucasian male 86 years of age. We have described the clinical and radiographic features, histological characteristics, immunohistochemistry findings, and surgical treatment. We especially focused on how Ki-67 expression guides the treatment choice. Finally, we reviewed 32 cases described in the literature and compared them with the cases described up until 2014 to help clinicians identify the diagnostic characteristics of and select appropriate treatment modalities for ghost cell odontogenic carcinomas.

Immunohistochemical expression of p16(INK4A) protein in oral lichen planus.

The expression of p16(INK4A) has been investigated in oral leukoplakias (OLK), but no data are available about oral lichen planus (OLP). In this study, p16(INK4A) immunohistochemical expression was evaluated in 56 OLP and 36 OLK (12 without inflammation [NI-OLK] and 24 with chronic inflammation [I-OLK]) and compared with 23 reactive nonspecific inflammations (INF) and 14 normal control samples. The p16(INK4A) immunostaining was considered to be positive when >5% of keratinocytes were stained. All normal control samples were negative. Positive p16(INK4A) was detected in OLP, IOLK, and INF. Significant differences in p16(INK4A) positivity were found between OLP (64%) and OLK (28%) (χ(2) = 17.7; P < .01), and between I-OLK and NI-OLK (χ(2) = 4.5; P < .05). No significant difference was found between OLP and INF (43%). In conclusion, positive p16(INK4A) in OLP patients seems to be related to reactive inflammatory processes rather than to a risk of progression to oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Multiple squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity in a young patient with graft-versus-host disease following allogenic bone marrow transplantation.

The development of secondary malignancies is a potential long-term complication after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In particular, a higher incidence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has been reported in patients experiencing chronic graft versus host disease (cGvHD) secondary to HSCT. This report describes the development of two synchronous SCC of the buccal mucosa in a young female patient treated with HSCT for beta thalassemia major. She had undergone HSCT at the age of 9 years and developed oral GvHD 6 months after transplant. 17 years after HSCT she developed two synchronous carcinomatous lesions on the tongue and floor of the mouth. The current case highlights the association between oral cGvHD and OSCC, and the possible development of OSCC in young patients even many years after HSCT. This evidence suggests closer follow-up for all patients treated with HSCT who developed cGvHD, and more effective strategies to prevent and treat cGvHD.

Glycogenic acanthosis presenting as leukoplakia on the tongue.

This report describes a rare case of glycogenic acanthosis (GA) located on the tongue of a 72-year-old man. The patient presented with a white plaque that had been on the right side of the tongue for 5 years. Histologically, the lesion was characterised by thickened squamous epithelium with abundant intracellular glycogen deposits. No epithelial dysplasia was noted. This is the first report of GA involving the tongue. This benign condition should be added to the large number of lesions responsible for leukoplakia in this anatomical location.

Low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma of the gingiva.

Low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma is a malignant tumour from myofibroblasts, which has only recently become clearly defined. It represents a rare entity developing in the soft tissues of the head and neck. About 20 cases have been reported in the oral cavity, especially in the tongue and bone, while gingiva as the primary site has been described only once to date. Diagnostic methods include histology and immunohistochemistry. The present report concerns a case of a 37-year-old man who presented with a persistent gingival ulcerated swelling that was interpreted for a long time as a gingival epulis. A low-grade myofibrosarcoma was diagnosed and the patient underwent a segmental osteotomy of the mandibular symphisys for complete excision. There was no sign of recurrence or metastatic disease during the 18-month postoperative period.

Prognostic value of Ki67 from clinically and histologically 'normal' distant mucosa in patients surgically treated for oral squamous cell carcinoma: a prospective study.

The frequent spread of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has been explained by the persistence of genetically altered mucosa after surgery. This study examined whether clinically and histologically 'normal' mucosa distant from the primary tumour (from the opposite cheek) has an abnormal proliferative status, and whether this is associated with poor prognosis in terms of local recurrence or lymph node metastasis. The prospective study included 47 consecutive patients with OSCC. Disease-free survival endpoints were defined as the duration between surgical resection and the diagnosis of recurrence, lymph node metastasis, death or last follow-up. Proliferative status was evaluated by Ki67 expression. The mean Ki67 value (16.5+/-8.9) in the distant mucosa was statistically higher than that in controls (8.8+/-2.9). Abnormally high Ki67 values (>20%) were detected in 11 OSCC patients (23%). Multivariate analysis showed that Ki67 value in distant mucosa was a powerful independent prognostic factor, greater than tumour differentiation or clinical stage for the disease-free survival rate; it was statistically negative regarding local recurrence. Some patients surgically treated for OSCC have an abnormal proliferative status in areas distant from the primary tumour. The Ki67 value in these areas is a promising prognostic factor.

Coronally advanced flap with and without vertical releasing incisions for the treatment of multiple gingival recessions: a comparative controlled randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Vertical releasing incisions might damage the blood supply to the flap and result in unesthetic visible white scars. The aim of the present study was to compare root coverage and esthetic outcomes of the coronally advanced flap (CAF) with and without vertical releasing incisions in the treatment of multiple gingival recessions. METHODS: Thirty-two systemically and periodontally healthy subjects with esthetic complaints due to the exposure of Miller Class I and II multiple (at least two) gingival recession defects (> or =1 mm) affecting adjacent teeth of the same quadrant of the upper jaw were enrolled in the study. Sixteen patients (with 45 gingival recessions) were randomly assigned to the control group, and the other 16 patients (with 47 recession defects) were assigned to the test group. All recessions were treated with a CAF; vertical releasing incisions were performed in the control group, whereas an envelope-type flap was used in the test group. The patient's postoperative morbidity was assessed 1 week after the surgery, whereas the esthetic evaluation, made by the patient and independent periodontist, and the clinical evaluation were made 1 year later. RESULTS: Surgical time was significantly shorter in the envelope-type CAF group. No statistically significant difference was demonstrated between the two groups in terms of recession reduction and clinical attachment level gain. A statistically greater probability of complete root coverage (adjusted odds ratio, 3.76; 95% confidence interval: 0.92 to 15.33; P <0.05) and a greater increase in buccal keratinized tissue height were observed with the envelope type of CAF. Patient satisfaction with esthetics was very high in both treatment groups, with no statistically significant differences between them. A better postoperative course and better results in the esthetic evaluation made by an independent periodontist were demonstrated in patients treated with the envelope type of CAF. CONCLUSIONS: Both CAF techniques were effective in reducing recession depth. The envelope type of CAF was associated with an increased probability of achieving complete root coverage and with a better postoperative course. Keloid formation along the vertical releasing incisions was responsible for the worst esthetic evaluation made by an independent expert periodontist.

Hand and ultrasonic instrumentation in combination with root-coverage surgery: a comparative controlled randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The role of vigorous root planing in the surgical treatment of gingival recession was recently questioned. The aim of the present randomized controlled split-mouth clinical study was to compare the effectiveness, in terms of root coverage, of hand and ultrasonic root instrumentation in combination with a coronally advanced flap for the treatment of isolated-type recession defects. METHODS: Eleven systemically and periodontally healthy subjects with bilateral recession defects (> or = 3 mm) of similar (< or = 1 mm) depth affecting contralateral teeth were enrolled in the study. Only Miller Class I gingival recession with no deep cervical abrasion or root caries/demineralization were included in the study. Control root exposures were treated with curets, whereas test roots were instrumented with ultrasonic piezoelectric devices. Randomization for test and control treatment was performed by a coin toss immediately prior to surgery. All recessions were treated with a coronally advanced flap surgical technique. The clinical reevaluation was made 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: The two approaches resulted in a high percentage of root coverage (95.4% in the control group and 84.2% in the test group) and complete root coverage (82% in the control group and 55% in the test teeth), with no statistically significant difference between them. Clinical attachment level gains were clinically significant in both groups (3.36 +/- 0.92 mm in the control group and 2.90 +/- 0.70 mm in the test group), with no statistically significant difference between them. The increase in keratinized tissue height was statistically significant in both groups (0.55 +/- 0.52 mm in the control group and 0.36 +/- 0.67 mm in the test group), with no difference between them. CONCLUSIONS: The present study failed to demonstrate any superiority, in terms of root-coverage results, for hand instruments over ultrasonic treatment of the root surface in combination with coronally advanced flap mucogingival surgery. Further studies of longer-term duration and larger sample size could help to establish the superiority of one form of root instrumentation in conjunction with root-coverage surgery.

Predictive Role of p53 Protein as a Single Marker or Associated to Ki67 Antigen in Oral Carcinogenesis.

p53 over-expression has been proposed as a reliable marker associated to oral carcinogenesis, although only about 50% of oral carcinomas (OSCC) are associated with p53 over-expression and even p53-negative lesions can progress to OSCC. The aim of the study was to determine whether the combination of p53 over-expression and p53 low-expression associated with Ki67 over-expression (high Ki67/p53 ratio) could lead to a more sensitive parameter. Immunohistochemical expression of Ki67 and p53 was measured in 54 specimens from OSCC; 27 specimens from moderate/severe epithelial dysplasia; 32 specimens from oral leukoplakias without epithelial dysplasia, and 13 specimens with normal epithelium. p53 over-expression was found in 31 (53%) samples from OSCC, in 10 (37%) samples from severe dysplasias, and in 5 (15%) samples from non-dysplastic lesions, while the combination of high p53 values with high Ki67/p53 ratio was observed in 93% of OSCC, in 81% of dysplastic lesions, and in 50% of non-dysplastic lesions. This parameter may have a clinical implication to detect early lesions with an impairment of p53 pathway, and probably at risk of progress to OSCC.

High proliferative activity and chromosomal instability in oral lichen planus.

The study aimed to assess the proliferative activity and karyotype in Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) lesions. G-banding chromosomal analysis of short-term primary cultures, and immunohistochemical expression of Ki67 and p53 were applied in 30 consecutive OLP patients divided into two groups according to clinical presentation of the lesions, and in nine subjects as negative controls. Mean values of Ki67 and p53 expression differed significantly (P<.01) between controls and patients groups with reticular or atrophic-erosive forms of OLP, whereas there was no significant difference between the two groups of patients with reticular or atrophic-erosive lesions. Six OLP patients showed clonal chromosome alterations, four of them associated with p53 overexpression. In conclusion, OLP is characterized by a high cellular turnover in most patients irrespective of clinical disease presentation. The genetic instability found in some patients should be interpreted as a consequence of the enhanced epithelial turnover, although we cannot rule out the possibility that some of the cytogenetic non-random anomalies observed represent early steps in cancer development.

Detection of bacteria in endodontic samples by polymerase chain reaction assays and association with defined clinical signs in Italian patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The presence of selected bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Tannerella forsythensis, Treponema denticola) in infected root canals was studied using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, and the association of bacteria with clinical signs of endodontic disease was assessed. The null hypothesis, that no difference could be observed between clinical signs of apical periodontitis and a specific bacterial strain, was tested. METHODS: Microbial samples were obtained from 62 teeth in 54 patients with endodontic disease. For each tooth, clinical data including patient symptoms were collected. Teeth were categorized by diagnosis as having acute apical periodontitis (AAP, teeth with clinical symptoms but no periapical radiolucency, n=22), chronic apical periodontitis (CAP, teeth with radiolucency but no clinical symptoms, n=15) or exacerbated apical periodontitis (EAP, teeth with symptoms and radiolucency, n=25). Seventy-one percent of cases were primary endodontic infections, and 29% were recurrent ('secondary') endodontic infections (failing cases). PCR assays were used to detect the presence of the selected bacteria. RESULTS: T. denticola and E. faecalis were each detected in 15 of 62 samples (24%), P. gingivalis in 8 samples (13%), P. intermedia in 5 samples (8%), and T. forsythensis in 4 samples (7%). T. denticola was detected in 56% of teeth with EAP. E. faecalis was found in 60% of teeth with CAP and in 72% of teeth with secondary infection. Statistical analysis demonstrated an association of CAP and secondary endodontic infection with the presence of E. faecalis. (P<0.01). EAP was associated with the presence of T. denticola (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: T. denticola was associated with symptomatic endodontic disease in the presence of apical bone resorption. E. faecalis was associated with treatment failures. We suggest that these species may play critical roles in endodontic pathology.

Cyclosporin A specifically affects nuclear PLCbeta1 in immunodepressed heart transplant patients with gingival overgrowth.

One of the most commonly observed adverse effects of cyclosporin A (CsA) is the development of gingival overgrowth (GO). Fibroblasts are involved in GO, but the question why only a percentage of patients undergoing CsA treatment shows this side-effect remains unanswered. In a previous study, CsA has been demonstrated to induce over-expression of phospholipase C (PLC) beta(1) in fibroblasts of patients with clinical GO, in cells from both enlarged and clinically healthy gingival sites. In this work, we assessed the expression of PLCbeta isoforms to investigate whether the exaggerated fibroblast response to CsA related to increased PLCbeta(1) expression could also be detected in CsA-treated patients without clinical signs of GO. Our results support the hypothesis of a multi-factorial origin of gingival overgrowth, including specific changes within the gingival tissues orchestrating fibroblastic hyper-responsiveness as a consequence of a long-term in vivo exposure to cyclosporin A.

Periodontal health improves systemic inflammatory and haemostatic status in subjects with coronary heart disease.

OBJECTIVES: A relationship between poor oral health and coronary heart disease (CHD) and systemic inflammatory and haemostatic factors has been recently documented in an Italian population. The present study was performed to assess whether intensive dental care may produce a periodontal improvement along with a change in systemic inflammatory and haemostatic factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 18 males aged 40-65 years with proven CHD and elevated values of systemic inflammatory and haemostatic factors. A detailed description of their oral status was given by using two different dental indices (clinical periodontal sum score and clinical and radiographic sum score). Blood samples were taken for measurement of the following systemic markers of inflammation [(C-reactive protein (CRP), leucocytes, fibrinogen)] and haemostatic factors [(von Willebrand factor, fibrin D-dimer and oxidized-low density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL)]. All parameters were determined in each subject at baseline, after 4 months as a control and 3 months after an intensive protocol of scaling and root planing. anova for repeated measures was used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: No statistical difference was found between values at baseline and at the 4-month-control. All oral indexes showed a significant decrease (p< .01) 3 months after periodontal treatment. All systemic inflammatory indexes decreased but only the decrease in CRP reached statistical significance (p< .05). A significant decrease (p< .01) was also found as regards Ox-LDL among haemostatic factors. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results from the present study suggest an association between poor oral status and CHD, and provide evidence that the improvement of periodontal status may influence the systemic inflammatory and haemostatic situation.

SEM evaluation of canal wall dentine following use of Mtwo and ProTaper NiTi rotary instruments.

AIM: To compare using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) root canal walls following instrumentation in vitro with two different rotary NiTi instruments. The hypothesis was that no difference should be observable between the experimental groups in terms of debris on canal walls and surface morphology. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-four single-rooted human teeth were selected. Two types of NiTi instruments were used, Mtwo (Sweden & Martina, Padova, Italy) and ProTaper (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland). Irrigation for both groups was performed after each instrument change with 5% NaOCl, 3% H2O2 and 17% EDTA solutions. Three different areas (coronal, middle and apical thirds) of the root canal were evaluated using SEM. The canal wall of each sample was assessed and compared using a predefined scale of four parameters, namely, smear layer, pulpal debris, inorganic dentine debris, surface profile. Data were analysed statistically using the Kruskal-Wallis test (anova). RESULTS: A statistically significant difference (P < 0.01) was found between the apical third and the middle and coronal thirds for both groups. No difference was observable between instrumentation groups. In the apical third canal walls were often contaminated by inorganic debris and by smear layer. In the apical third, the surface profile was affected by uninstrumented regions, comprising dentine depressions and grooves in which predentine was still visible. CONCLUSION: Both instruments produced a clean and debris-free dentine surfaces in the coronal and middle thirds, but were unable to produce a dentine surfaces free from smear layer and debris in the apical third. The presence of deep grooves and depression on dentine walls in the apical third may well explain the presence of less-instrumented areas.

An objective method of assessing facial swelling in patients with dental abscesses treated with clarithromycin.

AIM: The study evaluates the efficacy of a set of objective parameters for monitoring facial swelling in a group of patients treated with clarithromycin. METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients suffering from dental abscesses (22 in the maxillary arch and 28 in the mandibular arch) were enrolled. All these patients underwent antibiotic treatment with clarithromycin in a new formulation as a single daily dose (500 mg/day for 6 days). Pain and changes in facial swelling were evaluated at baseline and each day for 6 days through subjective parameters (visual analogic scale, VAS) and objective parameters (6 different tape measurements on the skin surface above the abscess). RESULTS: Pain and swelling recorded by patient and dentist (using VAS scores) showed statistically significant decreases (p<0.01) on days 2, 3 and 4, while no further significant variation was observed during days 4, 5 or 6. As regards the objective parameters to quantify facial swelling, the maximum dimensional change (from baseline to final values) in the mandibular arch was obtained with measurement 6 (mean value 2.27+/-0.53 cm); the maximum dimensional change in the maxillary arch was obtained with the sum of the other 5 measurements (mean value 6.34+/-4.09 cm). CONCLUSION: The use of a single or a combination of linear measurements might provide a sensitive and reproducible method to evaluate facial swelling objectively and could be very useful in monitoring the efficacy of new antibiotics and to compare the results from different studies.

In vitro modeling of dental water line contamination and decontamination.

The contamination of dental unit water lines (DUWL) is an emerging concern in dentistry. The aim of this study was to use an in vitro DUWL to model microbial contamination and evaluate the decontamination efficacy of tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED) solutions. A DUWL biofilm model used to simulate clinical conditions was used to generate a range of biofilms in DUWL. Three distinct biofilms were generated: (1) biofilm from water, (2) biofilm from a mix of water + contaminating human commensal bacteria, (3) biofilm from water with contaminating oral bacteria added after biofilm formed. The contaminating oral species used were Streptococcus oralis, Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus. Decontamination by simple water flushing or flushing with TAED was evaluated (2, 5 and 10 min intervals). The DUWL tubes were split and samples were plated onto a range of media, incubated and bacteria enumerated. Water flushing did not reduce the number of microorganisms detected. Bacteria were not detected from any of the TAED sampling points for any of the biofilm types tested. Interestingly, if contamination was introduced to new DUWL along with the waterborne species a biofilm was formed containing only the waterborne species. If however, an existing biofilm was present before the introduction of "contaminating" bacteria then these could be detected in the biofilm. This implies that if the DUWL are new or satisfactorily cleaned on a regular basis then the associated cross-contamination aspects are reduced. In conclusion, TAED provides effective control for DUWL biofilms.

Poor oral health is associated with coronary heart disease and elevated systemic inflammatory and haemostatic factors.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the relationship between poor oral health and coronary heart disease (CHD) and systemic inflammatory and haemostatic factors in an Italian population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 63 males aged 40-65 years with proven CHD and 50 controls matched for age, geographic area, and socioeconomic status. A detailed description of their oral status was given using four different dental indices (total dental index (TDI), panoramic tomography score, clinical periodontal sum score (CPSS), and clinical and radiographic sum score (CRSS)). Blood samples were taken for measurement of the following CHD risk factors: serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and glucose; a series of systemic markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein, leucocytes, fibrinogen, homocysteine) and a series of haemostatic factors (von Willebrand factor, fibrin D-dimer, prothrombinic fragment F1.2, plasminogen activator inhibitor type I (PAI-1), and serum antibodies) against oxidized LDL (anti-Ox-LDL). RESULTS: Multiple logistic regression adjusted for all risk factors for CHD showed statistically significant relationships (p<0.01) between all dental indices and CHD. Significant relationships (p always <0.01) were found between CPSS and CRSS and leucocyte count. Significant relationships (p always <0.05) were also found between TDI and the von Willebrand factor, and between CPSS and the von Willebrand factor, anti-Ox-LDL, and PAI-1. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests an association between poor oral status and CHD, and provides evidence that inflammatory and haemostatic factors could play an important role in this association.