Association between apical periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases: a review of the literature

Abstract

Aim: The present study aims to review the data available in the literature to verify whether apical periodontitis (AP) is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Materials and Methods: a search was carried out in the databases of Pubmed and Google Scholar about a possible association of AP with the development of cardiovascular problems. After the selection criteria, 8 scientific articles were included to be analyzed in detail. Literature Review: although BP is a local inflammatory process, its pathogenesis can result in the development of systemic complications. Assuming that a localized inflammatory response is capable of causing the release and activation of systemic pro-inflammatory mediators, such as interleukin cytokines and tumor necrosis factors, some automatic effects are a possible association between a chronic AP and CVDs, due to the potential for the emergence of endothelial damage and atheroma. Discussion: although the correlation between periapical inflammatory lesions and systemic diseases is still questionable, mainly due to the discredit in which the subject was treated in the past and the limited amount of conclusive information currently available, the data reviewed in this paper propose that there is a positive association between AP and CVDs, with a higher prevalence of AP in patients with cardiovascular problems. Conclusion: a limited amount of findings are scientifically available. Therefore, it is suggested to carry out more research on the subject, aiming the search for relevant and well-grounded evidence on this association.