Treatment of periodontitis improves the atherosclerotic profile: A systematic review and meta-analysis
(Journal of Clinical Periodontology; doi: 10.1111/jcpe.12171)
Wijnand J. Teeuw, Dagmar E. Slot, Hendri Susanto, Victor E. A. Gerdes, Frank Abbas, Francesco D’Aiuto, John J. P. Kastelein, Bruno G. Loos
Gum disease and cardiovascular disease share inflammatory pathways. However, improving a blood test linked to heart disease is not the same as proving that a treatment prevents a heart attack or stroke.
This review combined 25 controlled trials involving 1,748 participants. The trials compared periodontal treatment with no periodontal treatment and measured inflammation, blood fats, glucose or blood vessel function. The search covered research available up to June 2013, so it represents the evidence available at that time.
Some inflammatory markers decreased following gum treatment, including C-reactive protein and IL-6. Some studies also reported improvements in blood vessel function and blood fat measurements. Among participants with diabetes, the pooled HbA1c reduction was approximately 0.43 percentage points. Results varied by the marker measured and the populations studied. Crucially, none of the included trials measured whether treatment reduced heart attacks, strokes or cardiovascular deaths.
The findings suggest possible effects beyond the mouth, but the title should not promise that gum treatment reverses atherosclerosis, the build-up of disease in artery walls. Treating periodontitis is important for oral health. This review cannot establish that it prevents cardiovascular events, and it does not replace the need for usual blood pressure, cholesterol or diabetes care.
A review can bring together more evidence than one study, but its conclusions still depend on the quality of the research included. Differences in participants, measurements and follow-up can make results difficult to combine. An average finding may not describe every patient, and an uncertain result does not prove there is no effect. This review also reflects the evidence available when its search ended. It should be read as one part of the evidence, with newer research considered before making current treatment decisions.
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Periodontitis is the 6th most prevalent condition globally
Periodontitis and diabetes are bidirectionally linked
Diabetic complications are increased if you have both diseases
Successful periodontal treatment can improve blood glucose control
Periodontitis is the 6th most prevalent condition globally
Periodontitis and diabetes are bidirectionally linked
Diabetic complications are increased if you have both diseases
Successful periodontal treatment can improve blood glucose control
