Abstract: Objective: To explore the correlation between periodontitis and atherosclerosis by taking the questionnaire survey and oral examination in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods: Demographic characteristics, blood pressure, the history of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, lipid series results and oral situation of patients with coronary heart disease were recorded. The carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) and atheromatous plaques were detected by carotid ultrasound. Results: The number of teeth missing was positively correlated with occurrence rate of plaques (OR=1.298, 95%CI: 1.100-1.531, P=0.002). There was significant linear correlation between the number of teeth missing and CIMT (b=0.041). The correlation between the number of teeth missing and the diameter of the plaque was statistically significant(r=0.519, P<0.001). There was no significant difference between the number of teeth missing and levels of blood lipid (P>0.05). Conclusion: It is suggested that teeth missing caused by periodontitis might be a risk factor for atherosclerosis.