Periodontitis as a Risk Factor of Atherosclerosis

Abstract

Over the last two decades, the amount of evidence corroborating an association between dental plaque bacteria and coronary diseases that develop as a result of atherosclerosis has increased. These findings have brought a new aspect to the etiology of the disease. There are several mechanisms by which dental plaque bacteria may initiate or worsen atherosclerotic processes: activation of innate immunity, bacteremia related to dental treatment, and direct involvement of mediators activated by dental plaque and involvement of cytokines and heat shock proteins from dental plaque bacteria. There are common predisposing factors which influence both periodontitis and atherosclerosis. Both diseases can be initiated in early childhood, although the first symptoms may not appear until adulthood. The formation of lipid stripes has been reported in 10-year-old children and the increased prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents is a risk factor contributing to lipid stripes development. Endothelium damage caused by the formation of lipid stripes in early childhood may lead to bacteria penetrating into blood circulation after oral cavity procedures for children as well as for patients with aggressive and chronic periodontitis.

Comparison of foam swabs and toothbrushes as oral hygiene interventions in mechanically ventilated patients: a randomised split mouth study

“…There is increasing evidence that oral health impacts on the general well-being of an individual, with cardiovascular disease, diabetes and low birth weight all associated with poor oral hygiene 1–3. Furthermore, poor oral hygiene has been linked with higher incidence of respiratory infections, such as community-acquired pneumonia, healthcare-associated pneumonia, hospital-acquired pneumonia and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) 4–6…”

“…[1][2][3] Furthermore, poor oral hygiene has been linked with higher incidence of respiratory infections, such as community-acquired pneumonia, healthcare-associated pneumonia, hospital-acquired pneumonia and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). [4][5][6] Dental plaque is an archetypal biofilm and during critical illness can rapidly become colonised by potential respiratory pathogens and in these cases, it serves as a reservoir for VAP pathogens.…”

Prospective Study of Oral Health and Risk of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma in Men

“…3, 4 The third mechanism is the immune response to the bacteria, which involves the generation of antibodies to bacteria and their toxins, which may have off-target effects in extra-oral tissues (e.g., cross-reactive antibodies that contribute to atherosclerosis). 10 …”

Periodontitis, Bacteremia and Infective Endocarditis: A Review Study

“…It has been observed that periodontitis is one of the causes or consequences of developing atherosclerosis. Microorganisms or their products present in circulation may promote pathogenesis and enhance local inflammatory changes in vessel walls and thereby may promote process of clotting and clot formation (23). The periodontal disease has also been reported to be an important risk factor for nonhemorrhagic stroke (24).…”