PERIODONTITIS AND RISK FOR ATHEROSCLEROTIC CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE -- A REVIEW.

Gurav, Abhijit N.

Dental plaque which is formed on the teeth in absence of oral hygiene is a structurally and functionally organized biofilm. Plaque forms in an ordered way and has a diverse microbial composition. The biofilm undergoes maturation, and the resulting pathogenic bacterial complex can lead to periodontitis periodontitis. Inflammation of soft tissues around the teeth (see tooth). Poor dental hygiene leads to deposition of bacterial plaque on the teeth below the gum line, irritating and eroding nearby tissues. Periodontitis is an asymptomatic oral infection, resulting in loss of teeth if untreated. cardiovascular Atherosclerosis occurs in response to injury of the vascular endothelium and the nature of the process is largely inflammatory. An important hypothesis in the faculty of cardiology has been that chronic infections may contribute to atherogenesis. Periodontitis, a chronic infection, acting as a source of systemic inflammation would trigger the atherosclerosis process. Methods: Data sources for the following review include PubMed indexed articles, periodontal journals, bibliographies and review articles. Results: Periodontitis has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Treatment of periodontitis is accompanied by a proportional decrease in cardiac events. Clinical Significance: The aim of this review article is to provide oral health care professionals and cardiologists a better understanding of the link between atherosclerotic CVD and periodontitis. This can lead to a systematic approach in reducing the risk for primary and secondary atherosclerotic CVD events in patients with periodontitis.

PERIODONTITIS; PERIODONTAL disease; CARDIOVASCULAR diseases risk factors; BIOFILMS; DENTAL plaque; DENTAL deposits

International Journal of Clinical Dentistry, 2012, Vol 5, Issue 4, p373

1939-5833

Academic Journal