The link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease is probably inflammation.

A periodontal-cardiovascular relationship has been postulated for several years but a definitive etiologic relationship has not been established. However, evidence continues to accumulate epidemiologic and otherwise that periodontitis at the very least plays a contributory role in the progression of cardiovascular disease. This paper will argue if indeed such a causative relationship exists, it is most likely based on the incremental contribution of chronic periodontal inflammation on systemic inflammation rather than the direct colonization of atherosclerotic plaques with periodontal pathogens.