Relationship between Periodontal Infections and Atherosclerosis - A review

Evidence from epidemiologic studies suggests that periodontal infections are independently associated with subclinical and clinical atherosclerotic vascular disease(AVD). Entry of oral bacteria and/or bacterial products into the bloodstream is thought to be one of the key initiators of biological events that link oral infections to AVD. Transient bacteremias are common after dental procedures, regardless of periodontal status, occurring frequently after mastication or after personal oral hygiene. The incidence and intensity of these bacteremias correlate positively with the extent and severity of periodontitis. Analysis of limited data from interventional epidemiologic studies suggests that treatment of periodontal infections results in lower levels of systemic inflammation and favorable effects on subclinical markers of atherosclerosis.