The results of this study suggest that an association may exist between heart disease and the periodontal condition. The association between periodontal pathogens and CAD was not established, but the findings presented are, nonetheless, of clinical importance.

For example, the clinical periodontal data were associated with individuals who had cardiovascular disease. The possibility that periodontal disease could have an impact on heart health is a good reason for the dental practitioner to spend time educating patients on the importance and benefits of maintaining good oral health. Treatment options should focus on reducing the bacterial load associated with periodontal disease, and the elimination of the biofilm, both supragingivally and subgingivally. Traditional therapy of scaling and root planing, in addition to excellent patient home care, would help to limit a patient’s exposure to periopathogens. Daily flossing and the use of a triclosan-containing dentifrice that demonstrates both antimicrobial and antiinflammatory properties, help achieve a healthy periodontal status.

We clearly are not at the point of targeting our treatment strategies against specific periodontal pocket bacteria in the fight against CAD. This study does remind us, however, of the importance of establishing and maintaining optimal overall oral health as a means to control serious systemic diseases.