title: Gingival evaluation of the pediatric cardiac patient.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Children with congenital cardiovascular diseases (CCDs) who suffer from dental diseases have an increased risk of infective endocarditis. In the light of recent evidence, oral inflammatory diseases may also increase the severity of their cardiovascular condition. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the gingival status of children with congenital cardiovascular diseases in comparison to healthy children.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty 7- to 13-year-old children were included. The test group comprised 25 CCD children subdivided into three groups: (1) unrepaired ventricular septal defect; (2) aortic valve stenosis; and (3) coarctation of the aorta. The control group consisted of 25 healthy age- and gender-matched children. Gingivitis, plaque, calculus, and recession were measured on six sites per tooth on 12 teeth.
  
  
  RESULTS
  CCD children had significantly more gingivitis (P<.001), plaque (P<.001), recession (P>.02), and calculus (P<.001) than controls. Among the CCDs groups, no statistically significant differences were found for gingivitis, plaque, or recession.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Children with congenital cardiovascular diseases had a higher prevalence of periodontal disease, evidenced by gingivitis, plaque, calculus, and recession. These children should be evaluated periodontally and their oral health monitored on a 3-month basis to prevent disease development, benefit cardiovascular condition, prevent endocarditis, and improve quality and longevity of life.
authors.affiliation: private practice, Chicago, USA; Midwestern University, College of Dental Medicine, Downers Grove, Ill, USA.
authors.forename: Erez
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Nosrati
authors.forename: George J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Eckert
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Kowolik
authors.forename: Jason G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Ho
authors.forename: Marcus S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Schamberger
authors.forename: Joan E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Kowolik
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000151:congenital*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D017742:Dental Care for Chronically Ill / Q000458:organization & administration; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D005881:Gingiva / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009909:Oral Health / Q000193:education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires