[To prevent myocardial infarction with a tooth brush?].
The association of periodontal disease and cardiovascular events is discussed. Low grade inflammation, with elevated CRP and elevated fibrinogen might contribute. A recent study from Scotland in which the dental brushing was evaluated found a relative risk for a cardiovascular event of 1.69 associated with rare tooth brushing. However, there was a bias with elderly patients, male gender and low socioeconomic status.


CONCLUSIONS
The common risk factor is smoking; active "dentogenic" inflammation should be checked before surgery, particularly before surgery with implants.
Departement Innere Medizin, Kantonsspital Baden, Baden. hansjuerg.beer@ksb.ch
Juerg H
JH
Beer
D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D005340:Fibrinogen / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors; D012606:Scotland; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014099:Toothbrushing
D005340:Fibrinogen; D002097:C-Reactive Protein