Severe Periodontitis is Associated With Recurrent Cardiovascular Events-A 10-Year Longitudinal Cohort Study

Stefan Reichert1, Selina Rehm1, Axel Schlitt2,3

  • 1Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany.

PubMed

Insights

Severe periodontitis increases the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke. Maintaining good oral hygiene, such as brushing and interdental cleaning, can help reduce this risk.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Periodontology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease (CVD) poses a significant health burden.
  • Periodontitis, a severe gum infection, is increasingly recognized for its systemic implications.
  • Understanding the link between oral health and cardiovascular outcomes is crucial for preventative strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between severe periodontitis and recurrent cardiovascular events.
  • To assess the impact of oral hygiene practices on cardiovascular event incidence.
  • To provide evidence for integrated patient care considering both oral and cardiovascular health.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 1002 patients with established CVD was followed for 10 years.
  • Severe periodontitis was diagnosed based on specific clinical attachment loss criteria.
  • Recurrent cardiovascular events included myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death. Cox regression adjusted for cardiac risk factors.

Main Results:

  • Severe periodontitis was associated with a 26% increased risk of recurrent cardiovascular events (adjusted HR 1.26).
  • Frequent tooth brushing (≥twice daily) reduced this risk (adjusted HR 0.74).
  • Interdental hygiene practices also demonstrated a risk-reducing effect (adjusted HR 0.71).

Conclusions:

  • Severe periodontitis is a potential risk factor for recurrent cardiovascular events.
  • Good oral hygiene practices are associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular events.
  • These findings underscore the importance of addressing periodontitis in CVD management.
Abstract

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