| Abstrakt: |
The association between chronic oral infections and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) has been established in several extensive epidemiological studies. Most evidence available is on the association between periodontitis and atherosclerosis, and periodontitis has been recognised as an independent risk factor for CVD. The association between periodontitis and heart disease risk is independent of confounding factors, such as patient’s smoking, age, sex, socioeconomic status or obesity. Periodontal pathogens and their virulence factors can access the systemic circulation via inflamed periodontium. In the arterial wall, periodontal pathogens have several proatherosclerotic effects. Periodontitis also causes low-grade systemic inflammation, which contributes to the development of atherosclerosis. In addition, periodontitis patients display unfavorable changes in lipoprotein structure and metabolism. There are also some genetic factors that may predispose to both periodontitis and CVD. Intervention studies have shown that with appropriate periodontal treatment, it is possible to impact CVD risk factors. Periodontal treatment has been shown to improve systemic levels of inflammatory (e.g. Creactive protein and interleukins), thrombotic (fibrinogen) and metabolic (triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, HbA1c, i.e. long-term blood glucose) markers and to improve blood vessel endothelial function. Periodontal treatment is thus beneficial for general health in addition to oral health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
