Title : Oral pathogens, CVD and home oral care: Critical links in the prevention of heart disease
Abstract:
Oral microbes are directly involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Periodontal pathogens, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, are found diseased cardiovascular lesions. Also, pathogens associated with dental caries, such as Streptococcus mutans, have been detected in plaque found on heart value and arterial wall. With the exception of periodontal and cariogenic bacteria, the polymicrobial makeup of arterial plaque is distinct, suggesting both may be contributors to CVD. This session examines the relationship between oral bacteria and cardiovascular disease and what steps can be taken to minimize their impact with particular emphasis on its implications for the design of home oral care. Periodontal and cariogenic bacteria are endogenic, carried by individuals from birth. The oral biofilms in which they thrive protect them from many home oral care products and regimes, and the biofilms regenerate within 2-3 days of a professional dental exam and cleaning. Within the oxygen-scarce environment of biofilms, periodontal and cariogenic pathogens tend to overgrow, causing inflammatory insult to host, penetration through oral lesions to the blood stream, and dissipation throughout the body. Therefore, the nature and capacity of home oral care to mitigate the overgrowth of oral pathogens associated with CVD becomes critical to ongoing oral and heart health. The relationship between oral health and CVD is reviewed from the perspective of preventative care given the challenges posed by the oral microbiome and the oral pathogens resident within.
