The Relationship Between Periodontitis and Cardiovascular Disease

The relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease has been the subject of much research in recent years. The aim of this study is to review and analyze the relevant literature regarding this relationship, with an emphasis on determining a presence of periodontal bacteria from the periodontal pocket in atheromatous plaques, and to explore the biological role of inflammatory mechanisms that may link periodontitis and cardiovascular disease. Although there seems to be conflicting reports, the overall consensus confirms the presence of periodontal bacteria, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, in atheromatous plaques. Additionally, the presence of systemic markers of cardiovascular disease in patients with periodontitis, such as acute phase proteins, proinflammatory cytokines, and markers of procoagulant state, has been confirmed. These confirmations could indicate a role for periodontal pathogenic bacteria in atherosclerosis disease process. Additionally, these findings give rise to possible mechanisms linking the two diseases