Periodontitis and Cardiovascular Diseases. Consensus Report

M Sanz1, A Marco Del Castillo2, S Jepsen3

  • 1Department of Dental Clinical Specialties and ETEP Research Group, Faculty of Odontology, University Complutense of Madrid, Plaza Ramon y Cajal, Madrid, ES.

Global Heart
|June 4, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Severe periodontitis is linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD), a major cause of death in Europe. This review updates evidence on the periodontitis-CVD association, its mechanisms, and treatment impacts.

Area of Science:

  • Periodontology
  • Cardiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease (CVD) causes 45% of deaths in Europe, with ischemic heart disease, stroke, and hypertension as primary drivers.
  • Periodontitis, a prevalent chronic non-communicable disease (NCD), particularly severe periodontitis affecting 11.2% globally, is the sixth most common human disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To update epidemiological evidence on the association between periodontitis and CVD.
  • To review mechanistic links between periodontitis and CVD.
  • To assess the impact of periodontal therapy on cardiovascular outcomes and patient safety.

Main Methods:

  • Review of scientific literature and proceedings from a joint workshop by the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) and World Heart Federation (WHF).
  • Analysis of emerging scientific information from the past five years.
  • Focus on potential risks and complications of periodontal therapy in patients on anti-thrombotic therapy.

Main Results:

  • Significant associations between periodontitis and CVD are supported by updated epidemiological evidence.
  • Mechanistic links and the impact of periodontal therapy on cardiovascular and surrogate outcomes have been evaluated.
  • Potential risks associated with periodontal therapy in patients on anti-thrombotic medication were identified.

Conclusions:

  • The review provides updated evidence on the periodontitis-CVD link, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration.
  • Recommendations are provided for dentists, physicians, and patients regarding managing periodontitis in the context of CVD.
  • Understanding these associations is crucial for public health strategies aimed at reducing NCD burden.
Abstract

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