Periodontal care may improve endothelial function

Periodontitis is a chronic, infectious, insidious disease of the tooth-supporting structures that causes a general inflammatory response. The aims of this study were to determine whether periodontitis is associated with endothelial dysfunction leading to cardiovascular events and whether proper management of periodontal disease would improve endothelial function and prevent cardiovascular events in the future.

Twenty-two patients (12 women, 10 men; 40+/-5 years old) took part in the study. All had severe periodontitis (without systemic disorders) and were all treated conservatively. Thirteen patients returned for a second visit after 3 months of treatment. Endothelial function and periodontal status were evaluated on entry into the study and 3 months following treatment. Ten age-matched, healthy volunteers without periodontal disease served as the control group.

There was a significant difference between the patient group and the healthy controls: FMD% 4.12+/-3.96 vs. 16.60+/-7.86% (p=0.0000). Periodontitis improved significantly in all 13 patients who completed 3 months of treatment, and their endothelial function improved as well: FMD% 4.12+/-3.96% vs. 11.12+/-7.22% (p=0.007). No difference was found in FID% before and after 3 months of treatment: 20.97+/-10.66% vs.17.94+/-6.23% (p=NS).

Periodontitis may be an insidious cause of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular events. Treating periodontitis can improve endothelial function and be an important preventive tool for cardiovascular disease.