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The periodontal-cardiovascular link
1Department of Periodontology, Center for Oral and Systemic Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Dentistry, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry (Jamesburg, N.J. : 1995)
|January 14, 2005
Summary
People with destructive periodontitis have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Periodontal therapy may help prevent or slow the progression of CVD, although more direct data is needed.
Area of Science:
- Periodontology
- Cardiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality.
- Periodontitis, a common chronic inflammatory condition, is increasingly linked to CVD.
- Observational studies suggest a 1.3 to 2-fold increased risk of CVD in individuals with periodontitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the association between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease.
- To review the biological plausibility and indirect evidence regarding the periodontal-cardiovascular link.
Main Methods:
- Review of observational studies on periodontitis and CVD prevalence.
- Examination of animal models investigating the impact of periodontal pathogens (e.g., Porphyromonas gingivalis) on atherosclerosis.
- Analysis of indirect data on the effects of periodontal therapy on cardiovascular risk markers.
Main Results:
- Consistent observational data show a significant association between periodontitis and increased CVD risk.
- Animal studies demonstrate that Porphyromonas gingivalis infection exacerbates atherosclerosis.
- Indirect evidence suggests mechanical periodontal therapy can reduce inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein, a surrogate CVD marker.
Conclusions:
- A consensus panel concluded that periodontal therapy may play a role in preventing or managing CVD.
- Patients and clinicians should be aware of the potential link between oral health and cardiovascular health.
- Further direct intervention studies are needed to confirm the impact of periodontal therapy on CVD outcomes.