Periodontics and Cardiovascular Disease

Periodontics and cardiovascular disease are closely related. Numerous studies have confirmed this association. According to these studies, people with active periodontal disease are at greater risk of developing cardiovascular problems. Here, we explain the relationship between these two conditions and the factors that can exacerbate them.

1. Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease

To understand the relationship between periodontics and cardiovascular disease, we must first understand the risk factors for cardiovascular disease:

Chronic periodontal inflammation.
Persistent bacterial infection involving deep-seated periodontal pathogens.
The number of missing teeth.

2. Studies Linking Periodontics and Cardiovascular Disease

According to a publication in Gaceta Dental, information was gathered from a workshop called the Perio-Cardio Workshop, which was held in Madrid and co-coordinated by Professor Mariano Sanz, former president of the SEPA.

"The report presents extensive evidence supporting the idea that periodontitis increases the risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in the future."

This workshop brought together more than 20 experts from two organizations to review the latest evidence on the associations between periodontal and cardiovascular diseases and to draft a series of recommendations on prevention and treatment.

3. Conclusions

Several studies have reached the following conclusions:

In periodontal disease, acute-phase proteins such as C-reactive protein, plasminogen activator-1, and fibrinogen are activated, contributing to systemic inflammation and serving as risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
There is a 25% increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with periodontal disease.
The greater the bone loss, the higher the incidence of cardiovascular disease, especially myocardial infarction.
There is an association between the number of missing teeth and coronary heart disease. Approximately 50% of edentulous patients have coronary heart disease.
There is evidence of an association between antibodies against periodontal pathogens and coronary heart disease.
Chronic diseases increase the formation of atheromatous plaques and the risk of coronary heart disease; A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis have been found in atheromatous plaques.
Periodontitis is a risk factor on par with high blood pressure, obesity, and high cholesterol. Cytokines and pro-inflammatory mediators cause endothelial damage and facilitate the detachment of atheromatous plaques.
Comprehensive periodontal treatment of patients with severe periodontal disease improves endothelial function in the arteries, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

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