Cardiovascular disease and the role of oral bacteria

Abstract

In terms of the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD) the focus has traditionally been on dyslipidemia. Over the decades our understanding of the pathogenesis of CVD has increased, and infections, including those caused by oral bacteria, are more likely involved in CVD progression than previously thought. While many studies have now shown an association between periodontal disease and CVD, the mechanisms underpinning this relationship remain unclear. This review gives a brief overview of the hostbacterial interactions in periodontal disease and virulence factors of oral bacteria before discussing the proposed mechanisms by which oral bacterial may facilitate the progression of CVD.

Keywords: oral bacteria; cardiovascular disease; systemic inflammation; cross-reactivity; heat shock proteins

(Published: 21 December 2010)

Citation: Journal of Oral Microbiology 2010, 2: 5781 - DOI: 10.3402/jom.v2i0.5781