The effect of periodontal pathogens on occurrence of further adverse CV events in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD)
A moderate but independent risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) disease and progression has been identified as periodontitis. Numerous common risk factors are shared by the etiologies of those chronic and highly prevalent inflammatory diseases. Despite these significant associations, the cardiovascular community is still unaware of their conceivable significance.
Although there is a clear epidemiological link between PD and CVD, there is no convincing proof that therapeutic or preventive periodontal care will have an impact on cardiac health. Given the high prevalence of periodontitis in the population and the continued dominance of cardiovascular disease (CVD) as the leading cause of death in developed nations, we can credibly assert, based on evidence, that oral health has an impact on systemic health in general and on CVD in particular. As a result, we should promote oral health in general and periodontal health in particular as a component of a healthy lifestyle and as an imperative.
References
Schulz, S, Schlitt, A, Hofmann, B, Schaller, H-G, Reichert, S. Periodontal pathogens and their role in cardiovascular outcome. J Clin Periodontol. 2020; 47: 173–181. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpe.13224
Phillipe Bouchard and others, European workshop in periodontal health and cardiovascular disease consensus document, European Heart Journal Supplements, Volume 12, Issue suppl_B, April 2010, Pages B13–B22, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/suq001
