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Periodontal Disease Linked to Cardiovascular Disease

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American Academy of Periodontology supports statement from American Heart Association; additional studies needed to determine causality
Posted: April 18, 2012
CHICAGO, April 18, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP)
 supports the American Heart Association's (AHA) scientific statement "Periodontal Disease and Atherosclerotic
 Vascular Disease: Does the Evidence Support an Independent Association?" recently published in Circulation.
 The statement concludes that observational studies to date support an association between periodontal disease
 and cardiovascular disease, independent of shared risk factors. The AHA's statement confirms the conclusions of
 the statements published by the AAP and The American Journal of Cardiology
<http://globalmessaging2.prnewswire.com/clickthrough/servlet/clickthrough?
msg_id=7156179&adr_order=14&url=aHR0cD
ovL3d3dy5qb3BvbmxpbmUub3JnL2RvaS9wZGYvM
TAuMTkwMi9qb3AuMjAwOS4wOTcwMDE%3D> in 2009 and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
 <http://globalmessaging2.prnewswire.com/clickthrough/servlet/clickthrough?msg_id=7156179&adr_order=14&url=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5u
Y2JpLm5sbS5uaWguZ292L3B1Ym1lZC8xODgwNzA5OA%3D%3D> in 2008.

While current research does not yet provide evidence of a causal relationship between the two diseases,
 scientists have identified biologic factors, such as chronic inflammation, that independently link periodontal
 disease to the development or progression of cardiovascular disease in some patients. 


The lack of causal evidence should not diminish concern about the impact of periodontal status on cardiovascular
 health. According to Pamela McClain, DDS
 <http://globalmessaging2.prnewswire.com/clickthrough/servlet/clickthrough?msg_id=7156179&adr_order=14&url=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5wZXJpby5vcmcvY29uc3VtZXIvYmlvX21jY2xhaW4yM
DExLmh0bQ%3D%3D> , president of the American Academy of Periodontology and a practicing periodontist in
 Aurora, Colorado, "Periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease are both complex, multi-factorial diseases
 that develop over time. It may be overly simplistic to expect a direct causal link. The relationship between the
 diseases is more likely to be mediated by numerous other factors, mechanisms, and circumstances that we have
 yet to uncover. However, as the AHA statement points out, the association is real and independent of shared risk
 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." 

The AAP believes additional long-term interventional studies are needed to better understand the specific nature
 of the relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease. Patients' periodontal status should
 also be added to future longitudinal studies of cardiovascular disease. The AAP hopes that the American Heart
 Association's statement brings attention to the association between the two diseases and the need for additional
 research in this area.

Dr. McClain encourages physicians and dentists to communicate the association between cardiovascular disease
 and periodontal disease to patients. "It is not as simple as telling a patient that brushing and flossing will ward off
 a heart attack," says Dr. McClain. "Patients should be aware that by maintaining periodontal health, they are
 helping to reduce harmful inflammation in the body, which has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular
 disease."

Patients should expect to receive a comprehensive periodontal evaluation from their dental professional at least
 once a year, adds Dr. McClain. This includes a detailed examination of the teeth and gums, and an assessment
 of risk factors such as smoking, age, and overall health status. In addition, patients diagnosed with periodontal
 disease should be sure to inform their general health care provider and/or cardiologist to encourage better
 integration of their care.

"There is no compelling evidence to support that treating periodontal disease will reduce cardiovascular disease
 at this time," says Dr. McClain, "but we do know that periodontal care will improve your oral health status, reduce
 systemic inflammation, and might be good for your heart as well."

For more information about periodontal disease, visit perio.org
 <http://globalmessaging2.prnewswire.com/clickthrough/servlet/clickthrough?msg_id=7156179&adr_order=14&url=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5wZXJpby5vcmcv> .

About the AAP
The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the professional organization for periodontists - specialists in
 the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth,
 and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also dentistry's experts in the treatment of oral
 inflammation. They receive three additional years of specialized training following dental school, and periodontics
 is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. The AAP has 8,400
 members worldwide.
  
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