Periodontal Disease and Cardiovascular Disease

  

 Several studies have shown that periodontal disease is associated with heart disease.  These studies have found that there is a strong correlation between the oral condition and heart disease.  However, researchers at the American Heart Association (AHA) say that there is no conclusive evidence that preventing periodontal disease can prevent heart disease.

A scientific statement from the American Heart Association (AHA) came out on April 18, 2012.       It states the followings:

·       Periodontal disease and atherosclerotic vascular disease (heart disease) share several common risk factors: cigarette smoking, age, and diabetes.

·       There is no evidence of a causal relationship between periodontal disease and atherosclerotic vascular disease. There is no evidence to support that treating periodontal disease will reduce heart disease.

 Pamela McClain, DDS, president of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), states that periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease are both complex diseases that develop over time. She continues, “The relationship between the diseases is more likely to be mediated by numerous other factors.  Patients and healthcare providers should not ignore the increased risk of heart disease associated with gum disease just because we do not have all the answers yet.”