Chronic Periodontal Disease and Its Correlation with Carotid Intima-Media Thickness

Chronic periodontal disease (periodontal disease, PD) is considered the sixth most prevalent disease affecting human health, with approximately 740 million people impacted globally. Over the past few decades, numerous studies have focused on the relationship between PD and cardiovascular diseases. Clinically, prior to the clear formation of atherosclerotic plaques, a subclinical indicator of increased carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is often observed. CIMT refers to the distance between the inner boundary of the carotid artery lumen and the outer boundary of the media layer, and it has been confirmed as an independent risk factor and predictive marker for coronary artery disease. As a potential risk factor, PD may lead to CIMT thickening through various mechanisms. This paper aims to explore the relationship between PD and CIMT, as well as the potential underlying mechanisms.