Fact check: How might advanced periodontal disease increase cardiovascular mortality if treatment if neglected?

1. Summary of the results

Here's my analysis based on the provided information:

1. Summary of the results:

Advanced periodontal disease can increase cardiovascular mortality through multiple documented mechanisms:

• Systemic inflammation throughout the body
• Oral pathogens entering the bloodstream
• Elevated inflammatory markers like CRP
• Damage to vascular endothelial function

Statistical data shows a 7.2% prevalence of cardiovascular disease in periodontal patients, with increased risks for both coronary heart disease and stroke.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints:

The original question lacks several important contextual elements:

• Age is a significant factor - patients under 45 years show higher cardiovascular disease prevalence when they have periodontal disease
• Preventive measures exist: interdental cleaning and mouthwash use can help reduce cardiovascular risk
• The connection is primarily based on observational studies rather than controlled trials, which affects the strength of the evidence

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement:

The question implies a direct causal relationship, when the evidence has some limitations:

• Many studies rely on self-reported periodontal disease diagnosis, which may affect accuracy
• Research results show high heterogeneity
• While there is a clear association, the exact strength of the relationship varies across studies

The dental and cardiovascular research communities would benefit from establishing stronger causal links, as this could lead to increased funding for periodontal research and treatment coverage by insurance companies. However, the current evidence, while substantial, is primarily observational rather than experimental.