The role of periodontal disease in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) includes a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels and accounts for major morbidity and premature death worldwide. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease with the gradual destruction of supporting tissues around the teeth, including gingiva, periodontal ligament, alveolar bone, and cementum. Periodontitis has been found to potentially increase the risk of ASCVD. Generally, oral microorganisms and inflammation are the major factors for periodontitis to the incidence of ASCVD. Recently, evidence has shown that the loss of masticatory function is another important factor of periodontitis to the incidence of ASCVD. In this review, we illustrate the recent finding of the relationship between periodontitis and ASCVD, from a microscale perspective-oral microorganisms, inflammation, and tooth loss. With the high prevalence of periodontitis, it is important to add oral therapy as a regular ASCVD prevention strategy. Regular dental visits could be a helpful strategy for ASCVD patients or general medical practitioners.