Periodontal infections and cardiovascular disease: is it a mere association?

The oral cavity is a major site of chronic infection and inflammation, particularly periodontal or chronic gum diseases. In recent years there has been increasing interest in the "periodontal systemic connection" between periodontal health parameters and risks of cardiovascular disease. Given that poor oral health and cardiovascular disease are major worldwide health problems, their association are potentially important. The article summarizes the evidences from epidemiologic studies and studies that focused on potential contributing mechanisms to provide an insight of this association.

Antiplaque and antigingivitis efficacy of toothpastes containing Triclosan and fluoride.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the reduction of plaque and gingivitis from the following three toothpaste formulations containing: 0.3% Triclosan, 1,000ppm fluoride and 0.13% calcium glycerophosphate in a natural calcium carbonate base (a new paste); 0.2% Triclosan and 1,000ppm fluoride in a precipitated calcium carbonate base; 0.3% Triclosan, 1,000ppm fluoride and Gantrez in a silica base. A control group was maintained, which used commercially available toothpastes without the above actives. METHODS: A double-blind, four-cell, stratified, parallel group design study. Subjects brushed twice daily with their allocated toothpaste for 12 weeks. Plaque, MGI and gingival bleeding assessments were carried out at baseline, after 6 and 12 weeks of product use. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: An analysis of covariance of the 12-week results showed significant differences between products [p<0.0001] for plaque, MGI and gingival bleeding. The new toothpaste formulation containing 0.3% Triclosan, 1,000ppm fluoride and 0.13% calcium glycerophosphate in a natural calcium carbonate base was shown to be significantly more effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis than the other toothpaste formulations in the study.