Oral infection as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases: an integrative review

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to revisit and discuss the influence of oral infection as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Methodology: This is an integrative literature review, carried out through a bibliographic survey in the BVS and PUBMED databases from 2019 to 2024, in English, with 15 articles selected. Results: The studies showed the correlation between oral health and cardiovascular diseases. Periodontal disease, dental caries, and endodontic infection represent the main concerns from the point of view of oral health, mainly due to their close relationship with systemic events, especially cardiovascular diseases, systemic arterial hypertension, and infectious events that affect the heart chambers and valves. Conclusion: Suboptimal oral health presents markers that are significantly associated with an increased risk of cardiac complications, and a decrease in the survival of patients with periodontal disease is observed.