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Since periodontitis is a persistent bacterial infection causing chronic inflammation in periodontal tissues, it is suggested that it may travel through the bloodstream and increase the risk of acute cardiac syndrome. In a study involving 20 individuals with chronic periodontitis, researchers found that in 13 of the 20 patients bacterial pathogens most frequently found in severe chronic periodontitis were also found in the atherosclerotic plaque of coronary vessels. In 10 of the cases, those species of bacteria were also present in both atherosclerotic plaque and in subgingival plaque.
“We found that patients with periodontal pathogens detected in atherosclerotic plaque had 4 millimeters or greater of deep periodontal pockets and a significantly higher bleeding index,” said study author Dr. Maciej Zaremba. “This supports the possibility that bacteria associated with periodontitis can permeate into coronary vessels.”
“Since periodontal and cardiovascular diseases have several common risk factors, more studies are needed to evaluate the strength of association between the 2 diseases,” said Preston D. Miller Jr, DDS, president of the American Academy of Periodontology. “It is very important for people to talk to their dentist or periodontist about their periodontal health and their at-home oral hygiene routine to prevent periodontal disease and maybe even coronary artery disease.” According to the American Heart Association, coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Knowledge of risk factors and possible links to coronary heart disease, such as periodontal disease, is the first step toward preventing it.
(Source: American Academy of Periodontology, February 13, 2007)
