Evidence continues to support an association among periodontal
infections, atherosclerosis and vascular disease. Ongoing observational
and focused pilot intervention studies may inform the design of largescale
clinical intervention studies. Recommending periodontal treatment for
the prevention of atherosclerotic CVD is not warranted based on scientific
evidence. Periodontal treatment must be recommended on the basis of the
value of its benefits for the oral health of patients, recognizing that patients
are not healthy without good oral health. However, the emergence of periodontal
infections as a potential risk factor for CVD is leading to a convergence
in oral and medical care that can only benefit the patients and public
health.
Key Words. Cardiovascular; infection; periodontitis; epidemiology.
JADA 2006;137(10 supplement):14S-20S.