More than Just a Toothache: Inflammatory Mechanisms Linking Periodontal Disease to Cardiovascular Disease and the Protective Impact of Cardiorespiratory Fitness

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that extends beyond the oral cavity and is increasingly recognized as a significant contributor to cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of global mortality. Systemic inflammation serves as the key link between the two, with elevated biomarkers such as C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 observed in individuals with PD, driving endothelial dysfunction and atherogenesis. Epidemiological and mechanistic studies consistently demonstrate that PD not only heightens the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events but is also independently associated with increased all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. In parallel, emerging research underscores the protective role of regular physical activity and improved cardiorespiratory fitness, which attenuate systemic inflammation and may reduce the burden of both PD and CVD. This review integrates current evidence on the shared inflammatory mechanisms linking PD and CVD, highlights the systemic impact of poor oral health, and advocates for incorporating exercise-based interventions and oral health assessments into comprehensive cardiovascular risk management. A multidisciplinary approach-bridging cardiology, dentistry, and preventive medicine-may offer a novel strategy to reduce inflammation-driven morbidity and mortality.

ScholarlyWork@Ochsner