Oxidative stress: a possible link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease

Abstract

This review examines current literature regarding relation ships between periodontal disease, oxidative stress and cardiovascular disease. Periodontitis refers to the chronic inflammation of gingival tissue associated with extensive dental plaque formation at the tooth and gingival interface. Previous studies have demonstrated an association between periodontal disease and risk of cardiovascular diseases such as atherogenesis and hypertension. Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases and may provide a connection between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease given that biomarkers related to the development of heart disease have diminished in patients with periodontitis after periodontal therapy. Several studies have examined the involvement of periodontitis and the role of oxidative stress in the initiation and progression of hypertension. However, the relationship between periodontitis and the development of cardiovascular disease has not been fully elucidated.