ABSTRACT
Periodontal inflammation has been connected to systemic issues via the bacteria in oral biofilm, which was formally referred to as plaque. Those bacteria within the biofilm and their byproducts have increasing support in the literature to cardiovascular as well as other systemic conditions, either as a causative agent or complicating conditions present. This chapter will discuss inflammation arising in the oral cavity, its systemic effects and methods to identify and treat the oral biofilm to aid in better cardiovascular and systemic health.
