Abstract

Background: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the supporting tissues of the teeth, and it has been suggested to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, the precise nature of this relationship remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between periodontitis and the risk of CVD. Materials and Methods: A cohort of 1000 participants aged between 40 and 60 years was recruited for this study. Periodontal status was assessed using standardized clinical parameters including probing depth, clinical attachment loss, and gingival inflammation. Participants were categorized into two groups based on the severity of periodontitis: mild to moderate and severe. The occurrence of CVD events such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and coronary artery disease was recorded over a follow-up period of 5 years. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between periodontitis severity and the risk of developing CVD, adjusting for potential confounding factors such as age, gender, smoking status, and presence of diabetes. Results: Of the 1000 participants, 300 were diagnosed with periodontitis, among which 150 had mild to moderate periodontitis and 150 had severe periodontitis. Over the 5-year follow-up period, 100 participants developed CVD events. Logistic regression analysis revealed that individuals with severe periodontitis had a significantly higher risk of developing CVD compared to those with mild to moderate periodontitis (odds ratio [OR] = 2.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5-4.0, p < 0.001). This association remained significant after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Conclusion: This study provides evidence of a significant association between the severity of periodontitis and the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Individuals with severe periodontitis may have a higher risk of experiencing CVD events compared to those with milder forms of the disease. These findings highlight the importance of regular dental examinations and appropriate management of periodontal health as potential strategies for reducing the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Description

Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the supporting structures of the teeth, has garnered increasing attention in recent years due to its potential implications beyond oral health (1). Emerging evidence suggests a bidirectional relationship between periodontitis and systemic diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease (CVD) (2). CVD remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, emphasizing the significance of identifying and addressing its risk factors (3).The link between periodontitis and CVD is rooted in shared pathophysiological mechanisms, including chronic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction (4). Periodontal pathogens and inflammatory mediators can enter the bloodstream, contributing to systemic inflammation and atherogenesis (5). Moreover, periodontitis has been associated with traditional CVD risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus (6).While observational studies have reported associations between periodontitis and CVD, the precise nature of this relationship remains debated (7). Some studies suggest a modest but significant increase in CVD risk among individuals with periodontitis (8), while others propose that the association may be confounded by shared risk factors or biases inherent in study designs (9).To clarify the relationship between periodontitis and CVD risk, this study aimed to assess the association between periodontal status and the incidence of CVD events in a cohort of middle-aged adults. By elucidating the impact of periodontitis on CVD risk independent of confounding factors, this research contributes to our understanding of the interplay between oral health and systemic diseases, potentially informing preventive and therapeutic strategies.