Oral health and coronary heart disease

BACKGROUND It is well documented that there is some correlation between poor oral health in the form of periodontal disease and coronary heart disease (CHD). It is unclear whether this correlation is due to a causal relationship or shared underlying disorder such as inflammation. A suitable integrated model of the CHD pathogenetic pathways relevant to periodontal disease may help to elucidate the association. Such a model is currently not available in literature. METHODS A previously developed integrated model of CHD was used to investigate potential pathogenetic pathways linking periodontal disease to CHD biomarkers. RESULTS The integrated model was created to provide insight into possible higher-order biological interactions underlying CHD and periodontal disease. In order to simplify these interactions a novel 'connection graph' was developed. It quantitatively illustrates the relationship between periodontal disease and various serological biomarkers of CHD. The pathogenesis of periodontitis shows various possible pathways which could link periodontitis to CHD pathogenesis. CONCLUSION An integrated model of CHD was developed which provides a summary of the potential CHD effects of periodontal disease. Further research must refine and validate the model.