Association of Periodontal Disease and the Cardiovascular System

Abstract

Periodontitis is inflammation of the bones that supportthe teeth. It is estimated that42% of the US population above the age of 30 havesome type of periodontitis, rangingfrom mild to severe (July JADA). Within that 42% ,about7.8% have been diagnosedwith severe periodontitis. Cardiovascular Disease,often called Coronary Artery Diseaseor CAD, affects about 1 in every 3 individuals inthe US. The following paper analyzesdifferent studies to support the hypothesis that thereis an association betweenperiodontal disease and cardiovascular disease. Inaddition, statins have been foundnot only to have effect on arterial inflammation,but also non arterial inflammation. Alongwith the research on literature, I created a powerpointpresentation intended to educatefirst graders on the importance of oral health andhow to have good oral hygiene.Overall, my thesis supports the association betweenperiodontal disease andcardiovascular disease in US adults which leads tothe need to educate children onproper oral health care.