In patients with severe periodontitis and cardiovascular disease, periodontal therapy improves oral health and reduces vascular thickness but does not significantly alter endothelial function.
A 6-month randomized clinical trial analyzed whether periodontal therapy could improve endothelial function and serum biomarkers in patients with a history of coronary heart disease and severe periodontitis (stages III–IV). In total, 35 volunteers were divided into 2 groups:
Researchers assessed endothelial function using flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and measured carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. They also monitored serum markers of inflammation and cell adhesion at various time points (3 days, 10 days, 3 months, and 6 months) to track systemic inflammatory responses. Additionally, the study considered demographic factors, cardiovascular risk factors, medication intake, blood pressure, lipid profiles, and periodontal health outcomes to ascertain comprehensive analysis.
Key findings:
These preliminary results support the potential cardiovascular benefits of periodontal therapy beyond oral health. Although further larger-scale trials are needed to confirm its impact on vascular function, the study adds to the growing evidence that managing periodontal disease could be a valuable strategy for those with cardiovascular disease.
Frontiers in Oral Health
Effect of periodontal therapy on endothelial function and serum biomarkers in patients with periodontitis and established cardiovascular disease: a pilot study
Ana Molina et al.
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