The Heart and Mouth Connection

While the evidence shows that periodontitis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases are linked, the reasons behind this association are still being investigated.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

After reading this course, the participant should be able to:

1. Discuss the possible mechanisms behind the association between periodontitis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.
2. Identify the clinical measures of atherosclerosis that relate to periodontitis.
3. Explain the effects of periodontal treatment on arterial function.
4. Detail the role of C-reactive protein in periodontitis and cardiovascular disease.

This course was published in the February 2015 issue and expires February 28, 2018. The authors have no commercial conflicts of interest to disclose. This 2 credit hour self-study activity is electronically mediated.