Is there a link between periodontal disease and
cardiovascular disease?
Various researchers and government
agencies continue to investigate the possible relationship between
periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease. Some researchers
speculate that bacteria in the mouth that are involved in the
development of periodontal disease move into the bloodstream and
cause inflammation in the blood vessels -- changes that, in
turn, contribute to heart disease and stroke.
Many studies are being conducted that both support and refute
the possible link between these two diseases. Two representative
samples include:
- One study published in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart
Association, found that people who had fewer than 25 teeth at
the start of the 12-year trial had a 57 percent greater risk of
stroke compared with patients who had 25 or more teeth. (Tooth loss
is the ultimate end result of untreated periodontal disease.)
- Another study involving more than 4,000 patients and 17 years
of follow up showed no evidence of a decreased risk of coronary
heart disease if chronic periodontitis was eliminated. Based on
these results, these researchers speculate that the relationship
between periodontitis and an increase in cardiovascular risk is
coincidental and not causal. (That is to say that periodontitis
does not cause coronary heart disease.)
The true role -- if there is one -- between
periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease remains to be
determined through additional studies that are currently
underway.
I have cardiovascular disease. What do I need to know and/or
tell my dentist to ensure that my dental encounter will be
safe?
First, make sure you give your dentist a complete
list of the names and dosages of all the drugs you are taking for
your cardiovascular condition (as well as any other prescription or
non-prescription drugs that you might be taking). This will help
your dentist decide on the best treatment course for you, including
medicine selection for dental procedures.
Second, make sure to give your dentist the name and phone number
of your doctor(s) in case your dentist needs to speak to him or her
about your care.
Third, if you are particularly nervous about undergoing a dental
procedure because you believe your stress, worry, and fears could
result in a worsening of your cardiovascular condition, talk with
your dentist. Your dentist can provide you with information and
work with you on strategies for controlling dental pain and easing
your fears.
The following section provides some additional advice and
information for patients with specific cardiovascular diseases.
(The following list is not all-inclusive of cardiovascular
conditions. Never hesitate to ask your dentist specific questions
about your dental plan of care in light of your particular
cardiovascular disease.)