Influence of periodontal diseases on coronary heart disease

Abstract

The aim of this paper was to accomplish a review of the literature concerning the association between dental infections, specifically periodontal disease and coronary heart disease, presenting epidemiological data that suggest this association, as well as the potential biological mechanisms responsible for its possible action as a risk factor. The analysis of researched data allows us to conclude that, despite its association to cardiovascular conditions being epidemiologically proved, periodontal disease may not be considered as a real risk factor to that one. It was also concluded that the possible biological explanation to such association should be related to an increased thrombogenic activity, provided by an enhanced blood viscosity and platelet aggregation, related to some periodontal pathogens present in bacteremia, as well as to the direct action of periodontal pathogens in the formation of atherosclerotic plaque and some inflammatory mediators increased in periodontal disease, which would also be considered as periodontal risk markers.