The association between cardiovascular disease and periodontal disease: literature review

Periodontal disease is one of the possible risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Among cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis stands in bold relief. The endotoxin increase at periodontal tissue and/or its introduction at systemic circulation can produce atherosclerosis and start a thrombus formation. One of the possible mechanisms of this interaction can be represented by pathogenic events similar between both diseases. Periodontal prevention and treatment seems to minimize its role as risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. More studies are necessary to determine the association between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease.