From Inflamed Gums to Infected Heart: Linking Periodontal Diseases and Myocardial Infarction

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the tissues that support the teeth. It has been linked with various systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disorders, respiratory conditions, and diabetes, reinforcing the concept of oral-systemic hygiene. With its high prevalence and significant economic burden, periodontal disease has become a critical public health concern, impacting 11.2% of the global adult population. This article aims to discuss the association between periodontal disease and the mechanisms leading to the development of myocardial infarction (MI). This condition occurs due to ischemia of heart muscle tissue from lack of blood supply for a prolonged period, which further leads to systolic dysfunction, metabolic derangements, and cellular death. Several studies have discovered a link between MI and dental disorders, raising the possibility that inflammation brought on by periodontitis may increase cardiovascular risk. Bacterial translocation, endotoxins from gram-negative pathogens, cytokines, and platelet activation are the major players leading to severe inflammatory conditions that influence the progression of atherosclerosis, further leading to MI. Autoimmune processes with homologous heat shock proteins from bacterial pathogens also trigger cellular and humoral immune responses, linking periodontal diseases and MI. Since periodontal disease may serve as a modifiable risk factor for MI, public health needs to comprehend the relationship between oral health and MI. Recent studies have identified the need to look for biomarkers that may correlate with the aforementioned health conditions, laying greater emphasis on the development of standardized protocols for risk mitigation and the need for tailored therapies.