A Scientific Statement released by the American Heart Association severed the causative link between periodontal disease (PD) and atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASVD). Given the shared risk factors, including cigarette smoking, age, and diabetes mellitus, the two diseases have a long history of association. The study published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association found that gum disease and cardiovascular disease are not engaged in a causative relationship but did point out that “observational studies to date support an association between PD and ASVD independent of known confounders.” The study’s authors went on to say, “This review highlights significant gaps in our scientific understanding of the interaction of oral health and ASVD” and that additional long-term studies would be needed to answer recently unearthed questions and further explore the correlation. 

For complete news coverage on the statement, click here.

< Back to Listings