Could the periodontal therapy improve the cardiologic patient health? A narrative review

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is the major cause of mortality globally, with increasing evidence suggesting a link between periodontitis, and CVD. This study aims to explore the association between periodontitis and CVD, and the impact of periodontal therapy on cardiovascular health. Methods: This review synthesized findings from preclinical and clinical studies, without publication year restrictions, examining periodontitis and CVD through various lenses. Scientific databases were inspected with keywords related to periodontitis and CVD. Results: The review identifies a substantial association between periodontitis and an increased risk of several CVD, supported by both epidemiological and interventional studies. Results suggest the complexity of the relationship, influenced by factors like the severity of periodontitis and the presence of other systemic conditions. Clinical data indicates that periodontal therapy, particularly non-surgical periodontal therapy, may reduce systemic inflammatory markers and thus may play a role in the primary and secondary prevention of CVD events, highlighting the potential of periodontal therapy to not only maintain oral health but also to modulate cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusions: Current evidence supports a significant association between periodontitis and increased cardiovascular risk, promoting integrated healthcare approaches that consider oral health as a key-component of cardiovascular care and wellbeing.