Oral infections are the most common diseases of
mankind and there is evidence linking periodontal
disease to cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Mechanisms linking oral infections to CVD involve
actions of oral bacteria on the vasculature.
Systemic inflammation is an important component of
the role of oral bacteria in the pathogenesis of CVD.
Natural inflammation-resolving molecules may help to
reduce the inflammation arm of the proposed
periodontitis–CVD link without antimicrobial
intervention..
Numerous reports have implicated oral infections,
particularly periodontitis, as a risk factor for
atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD).
In this review researchers examine the epidemiology
and biologic plausibility of this association with
an emphasis on oral bacteria and inflammation.
Longitudinal studies of incident cardiovascular
events clearly show excess risk for CVD in
individuals with periodontitis. It is likely that
systemic exposure to oral bacteria impacts upon the
initiation and progression of CVD through triggering
of inflammatory processes.
Given the high prevalence of periodontitis, any risk
attributable to future CVD is important to public
health. Unraveling the role of the oral microbiome
in CVD will lead to new preventive and treatment
approaches.
See also
American Journal of Preventive Medicine
Impact of Periodontal Therapy on General Health
Positive Impact of Periodontal Therapy on General
Health
For more information
Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism
Oral infections and cardiovascular disease
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