Dental and heart experts set to publish joint recommendations

The advice will be agreed by representatives from the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) and World Heart Federation (WHF) at the Perio & Cardio Workshop 2019, being held 18 and 19 February in Madrid, Spain. (1)

Cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of death globally, while severe periodontitis is the sixth most common chronic condition. Prof Mariano Sanz, EFP Chair of the event, said: “Both diseases affect many people worldwide, and the meeting aims to outline how periodontal health may reduce cardiovascular risk.”

There is a wealth of scientific evidence linking periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases. People with severe periodontitis are at greater risk of heart attack and stroke, particularly if they have had a previous cardiovascular event. Bacteria in the mouth promote the development of atherosclerotic plaques. In addition, severe periodontitis leads to inflammation throughout the body, which increases the severity of atherosclerotic plaques, thereby blocking or reducing arterial blood flow.