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RESEARCH AIMS: Many studies have identified an association between cardiovascular disease and periodontal disease. Awareness is growing that oral health is important in an individual's general health. There is evidence suggesting that oral conditions, such as dental caries and periodontal disease, are due to bacteria contained in plaque and treatable, possibly preventable conditions. The aims of this study are 1) determine if there is a familial correlation in the ability to host supragingival and subgingival bacteria, 2) determine familiality in the development of dental caries and periodontal disease, and 3) if there is a familial correlation, propose modifications to the oral health hygiene standard of care that may influence the development of oral disease, which in turn may lower the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.METHODS: Data were obtained from the COHRA study (IRB #020773 and #0506048). Participants (n = 2,570) contacted the study coordinator and attended a clinic at which DNA samples were obtained, dental examinations were performed, and questionnaires were completed. FCOR, a S.A.G.E. statistical program, was used to analyze the data and determine the familial correlation between relative pair-types.RESULTS: The influences of environment and genetic make-up in regards to oral health, specifically the ability to host bacteria and the development of dental caries and periodontal disease, are complex. The correlations of all pair-types were similar and likely overlap when the standard error is considered.CONCLUSION: Results suggested that there was no strong evidence of a genetic influence on the ability to host supragingival or subgingival bacteria or the development of dental caries or periodontal disease. However, the amount of influence environment and genetic factors have in the development of oral disease remains unclear.PUBLIC HEALTH SIGNIFICANCE: The relationship between cardiovascular disease and periodontal disease is not understood. A con

RESEARCH AIMS: Many studies have identified an association between cardiovascular disease and periodontal disease. Awareness is growing that oral health is important in an individual's general health. There is evidence suggesting that oral conditions, such as dental caries and periodontal disease, are due to bacteria contained in plaque and treatable, possibly preventable conditions. The aims of this study are 1) determine if there is a familial correlation in the ability to host supragingival and subgingival bacteria, 2) determine familiality in the development of dental caries and periodontal disease, and 3) if there is a familial correlation, propose modifications to the oral health hygiene standard of care that may influence the development of oral disease, which in turn may lower the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.METHODS: Data were obtained from the COHRA study (IRB #020773 and #0506048). Participants (n = 2,570) contacted the study coordinator and attended a clinic at which DNA samples were obtained, dental examinations were performed, and questionnaires were completed. FCOR, a S.A.G.E. statistical program, was used to analyze the data and determine the familial correlation between relative pair-types.RESULTS: The influences of environment and genetic make-up in regards to oral health, specifically the ability to host bacteria and the development of dental caries and periodontal disease, are complex. The correlations of all pair-types were similar and likely overlap when the standard error is considered.CONCLUSION: Results suggested that there was no strong evidence of a genetic influence on the ability to host supragingival or subgingival bacteria or the development of dental caries or periodontal disease. However, the amount of influence environment and genetic factors have in the development of oral disease remains unclear.PUBLIC HEALTH SIGNIFICANCE: The relationship between cardiovascular disease and periodontal disease is not understood. A con