Up to 75 percent of adults in the U.S. have been affected by periodontal disease, and an estimated 80.7 million adults (1 out of every 3) had CVD in 2006, according to the American Heart Association. From the 80.7 million adults in the United States, 38.2 million are less than 60 years of age – which is almost 50 percent. According to Marvin J. Slepian, M.D., and Neil R. Gottehrer, D.D.S., these findings strengthen their belief that oral infections contribute to CVD morbidity and connection of chronic infections and atherosclerotic CVD, a condition in which lipid products accumulate within the arterial vascular wall. “It is critical for all dentists and physicians to collaborate in helping patients reduce inflammation, which can become a target factor for cardiovascular disease,” says Dr. Slepian.

In addition, the editors of The American Journal of Cardiology and Journal of Peridontology have written a special consensus paper commenting upon the strong evidence that people with periodontitis are at a higher risk of atherosclerotic CVD. “This consensus paper is important because it will draw attention to the fact that patients with periodontitis, especially moderate and severe forms of the disease, can have increased risk for coronary disease," note the authors to David Dionne, Executive Publisher of The American Journal of Cardiology.

While the reason for the link is unknown, prevailing beliefs pinpoint inflammation caused by the immune system. Other factors include such common risk factors as smoking, diabetes, genetics, mental anxiety, depression, obesity and physical inactivity. Regardless of the cause, the experts believe that based on the evidence, doctors should assess atherosclerotic CVD in their patients with periodontitis. Those with a moderate to severe form of the gum disease should be told that they might be at an increased risk of atherosclerotic CVD, while patients who have one or more known major risk factors for atherosclerotic CVD should be medically evaluated if they have not seen a doctor within the past 12 months.

Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is a condition in which there is inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissues in the mouth. Bacterial plaque, the main cause of the disease, hardens into a rough porous substance, which then releases toxins produced by the bacteria in the plaque. This eventually leads to a breakdown of the fibers that hold the gums tightly to the teeth. As the disease worsens, toxins and bacteria infiltrate the tooth until the bone that keeps the tooth in place breaks down. Eventually, the tooth falls out.

News Release: Patients with moderate to severe periodontitis need evaluation for heart disease risk http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090630101332.htm July 10, 2009

News Release: Link Between Oral Infections And Cardiovascular Disease Morbidity Explained http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090709140822.htm July 13, 2009