Atherosclerosis is a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries, which leads to the narrowing and hardening of these vessels. Inflammation plays as an important role in the development of all cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and heart attack.

There is strong evidence for an association between periodontal disease and many different cardiovascular diseases. In several studies, DNA from periodontal pathogens have been found in atherosclerotic plaque of patients with chronic periodontitis. Studies indicate that there is an increased risk for different cardiovascular diseases and in individuals suffering from periodontal diseases and individuals with periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases may be at higher risk for cardiovascular complications. Elevation of systemic inflammatory markers and activation of the immune system caused by periodontal diseases has a negative effect on arteries. Extensive research confirms these associations; however, it does not confirm causation.

Whilst we lack proof that periodontal treatment will reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, studies support that periodontal treatment and good oral hygiene will result in improved levels of different cardiovascular risk markers and improve the atherosclerotic profile.

Periodontal treatment and good oral hygiene are a benefit for all patients since it reduces the preventable burden of the systemic inflammation associated with periodontal disease.

Sanz et al. 2020, l. 2018, Carrizales-Sepu´ lveda et al. 2018,  Atarbashi-Moghadan et al. 2018, Li et al. 2017, Xu et al.  2017, Merchant and Virani 2017, Scmitt et al. 2015, Teeuw et al. 2014.