Abstract

Purpose

Oral infections are the most common diseases of mankind. Numerous reports have implicated oral infections, particularly periodontitis, as a risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this review we examine the epidemiology and biologic plausibility of this association with an emphasis on oral bacteria and inflammation.

Materials and methods

Longitudinal studies of incident cardiovascular events clearly show excess risk for CVD in individuals with periodontitis.

Results

It is likely that systemic exposure to oral bacteria impacts upon the initiation and progression of CVD through triggering of inflammatory processes.

Conclusion

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.

Keywords

periodontal disease, cardiovascular disease, oral microbiome, systemic inflammation, atherosclerosis, oral bacteria, public health, periodontitis, oral–systemic link, preventive dentistry