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Dental infections and atherosclerosis
J D Beck1, J Pankow, H A Tyroler
1Department of Dental Ecology, Center for Oral and Systemic Disease, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA.
American Heart Journal
|October 28, 1999
Summary
Periodontal disease, an oral condition, may increase the risk of coronary heart disease. This review highlights evidence linking oral health to cardiovascular health, suggesting inflammation plays a key role.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Periodontology
- Inflammatory Diseases
Background:
- Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a major global cause of mortality.
- Emerging evidence suggests a link between oral health, specifically periodontitis, and atherosclerosis.
- Inflammation is recognized as a central mechanism in the development of atherosclerosis (atherogenesis).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing evidence on the association between oral conditions and coronary heart disease.
- To present preliminary data from the Dental Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study.
- To explore the role of systemic microbial and inflammatory burden in this association.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of five longitudinal studies examining oral conditions and CHD onset.
- Analysis of preliminary data from the Dental Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study.
- Statistical adjustment for established CHD risk factors and factors associated with both conditions.
Main Results:
- Five longitudinal studies indicate an association between oral conditions and the onset of coronary heart disease.
- Preliminary findings show periodontal disease is linked to increased carotid intimal-medial wall thickness, a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis.
- The association is observed after controlling for known confounding factors.
Conclusions:
- Periodontal disease may represent a significant, modifiable risk factor for coronary heart disease.
- The findings support the hypothesis that systemic inflammation and microbial factors from the oral cavity contribute to atherosclerosis.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the causal pathways and clinical implications.