Is there a link between periodontal disease and coronary heart disease?
Seymour, R.A.; Steele, J.G.
British Dental Journal 184(1): 33-38
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0007-0610 PMID: 9479812 Document Number: 485868
To provide a critical review of the studies completed to date that have investigated a link between coronary heart disease and dental health. Retrospective analysis. Mainly hospital-based patients or subjects involved in longitudinal health care studies. The incidence of coronary heart disease and its relationship to dental health and other recognised risk factors. Evidence suggests that dental health, in particular periodontal disease, may be a significant risk factor for coronary heart disease and further coronary events. Possible biological mechanisms that link the two diseases are appraised. There does appear to be increasing evidence that a relationship exists between dental health and coronary heart disease, especially in males aged 40-50 years. The presence of a hyperinflammatory monocyte phenotype may provide a common biological mechanism that links the two diseases.