Smoking, Periodontitis and Vascular Disease -Collaboration Study with Dentists and Vascular Surgeons
Since 1999, various weak oral bacteria have been identified in atherosclerotic lesions . Among these bacteria, Chlamydia pneumoniae which resides in the mouth, pharynx, or bronchus, has been thoroughly investigated and confirmed to be transported to vessel walls by monocytes. This invasion mechanism appears to be a factor in the development of atherosclerosis. Additionally, cytomegalovirus can be absorbed from the oral cavity resulting in opportunistic infections. Recently, the so called inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurismal walls revealed the presence of cytomegalovirus. Helicobacter pylori is well-known bacteria that resides in the stomach and may also appear in the oral cavity. This one was also identified in vessel walls. Read more>>>>>>>>>>>>>