Relationship of Dental and Oral Pathology to Systemic Illness 

  Harold c. Slavkin, D.D.S Bruce J. Baum, D.M.D, PhD .
  • Prevalence of Dental Diseases
    Dental diseases are among the most common of human maladies, with wide spread tooth loss due to caries and periodontal diseases. US adult population, 50% display some sign of gingival disease, and nearly 35% have some form of periodontitis. 
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  • Dental Infection as a Risk Factor for Atheroscierotic Disease
    Accumulating evidence has linked dental infection to an increased risk of atherosclerosis and thrombosis. We call attention to the ongoing research into the role of dental infection in chronic cardiovascular disease. Several prospective studies have demonstrated a significant association between dental infection and atherosclerosis or coronary heart disease. 
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  • Additional Possible Risks from Dental Infections
    Chronic dental infections, especially periodontal infections, were associated with an increased risk for cerebrovascular ischemia. That poor dental status led to a 2.6- fold increased risk of stroke. Periodontal infections have also been linked to a significantly increased risk for delivery of preterm, low-birth-weight infants.