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Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Robust Ligature-Induced Model of Murine Periodontitis for the Evaluation of Oral Neutrophils
Published on: January 21, 2020
Periodontal disease is a risk marker for coronary heart disease?
1Maxillofacial Unit, Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Trust, King's Mill Hospital, Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, UK.
Insights
Periodontal disease is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). This oral health condition increases the risk of CHD, irrespective of other traditional risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Oral Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Investigated the association between periodontal disease and coronary heart disease (CHD).
- Included prospective cohort and nested case-control studies.
- Assessed study quality and potential biases.
Discussion:
- Periodontal disease, encompassing conditions like periodontitis and gingivitis, is linked to increased CHD risk.
- The association remains significant even when accounting for traditional CHD risk factors such as socioeconomic status.
- Risk estimates for periodontal disease ranged from 1.24 to 1.34.
Key Insights:
- Periodontal disease serves as an independent risk factor or marker for CHD.
- Findings were consistent across various subgroups, including gender, outcome measures, and study quality.
- Oral health status is a critical, yet often overlooked, determinant of cardiovascular health.
Outlook:
- Further research is essential to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this association.
- Public health initiatives should consider integrating oral health into cardiovascular disease prevention strategies.
- Understanding the link between periodontal disease and CHD is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Data Sources:
Relevant studies were identified using Medline and bibliographies of reviews, editorials, book chapters and letters discussing the relationship between periodontal disease and coronary heart disease (CHD).
Study Selection:
Studies were assessed for inclusion by two reviewers. Prospective studies with cohort or nested case-control design with CHD or cardiovascular disease (CVD) as an outcome were included. Study quality was rated.
Data Extraction And Synthesis:
Data were abstracted by one reviewer and reviewed for accuracy by another author: any discrepancies were adjudicated by a third author. Meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate heterogeneity and publication bias.
Results:
Seven studies were included, some of which found that periodontal disease was independently associated with increased risk of CHD. Summary relative risk estimates for different categories of periodontal disease (including periodontitis, tooth loss, gingivitis and bone loss) ranged from 1.24 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01-1.51] to 1.34 (95% CI, 1.10-1.63). Risk estimates were similar in subgroup analyses by gender, outcome, study quality and method of periodontal disease assessment.
Conclusions:
Periodontal disease is a risk factor or marker for CHD that is independent of traditional CHD risk factors, including socioeconomic status. Further research is warranted in this important area of public health.
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