[Relationship between coronary artery disease and periodontal disease. What the cardiologist must know]

In this review, we will present the recent works, which shows a link between arterial lesions, particularly in coronary arteries, and periodontal disease. The pathways are those of chronic infection, and several studies have revealed a relationship between arterial lesions and buccal bacteraemia. Though the mechanism that links them is still unclear, the first hypotheses suggest that the presence of the bacteria in the bloodstream triggers a direct reaction (bacteria on the target organ), and/or an indirect immune reaction. This immune response could be induced by an increase in the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL1, IL6, TNF), which are also involved in atherogenesis. Indeed, these cytokines have been found in higher concentrations in patients with periodontal disease, whereas reduced levels have been found in patients who have had deep gum pockets thoroughly cleaned. Cardiologists need to have access to such information not only because of the similarity of the populations, but also because of the therapeutic consequences. The future development of simple dental scores will provide an important tool for epidemiological studies of primary and secondary prevention.