Periodontal disease could be linked to cerebrovascular disease

A study has uncovered a potential association between periodontal disease and cerebral small vessel disease.

In a study published in Neurology Open Access, researchers examined the relationship between periodontal disease and biomarkers of cerebral small vessel disease among 1,143 patients — 800 of whom had periodontal disease and 343 of whom were periodontally healthy. The patients underwent a comprehensive periodontal assessment and brain magnetic resonance imaging at the fourth and fifth visits, respectively.

Compared with those who were periodontally healthy, the participants with periodontal disease had greater white matter hyperintensity volumes. The researchers discovered a significant association between the fourth quartile of white matter hyperintensity volume and periodontal disease after adjusting for confounding factors. There were no statistically significant associations between periodontal disease and cerebral microbleeds or lacunar infarcts.

The researchers hypothesized that the systemic inflammation characteristic of periodontal disease could contribute to the development of cerebral small vessel disease. The results of the study could lead to targeted interventions to reduce the risk of cerebral small vessel disease by enhancing oral hygiene and mitigating periodontal disease.

Read more: Neurology Open Access

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