How does oral inflammation get to the heart?

Jan. 6, 2025

With 57 (and counting!) systemic illnesses exacerbated by oral inflammation, it’s important to know how oral bacteria travels elsewhere in the body. Join us in this episode of Medical History Mysteries as we break it down.

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD

Tom Viola, RPh, CCP

There are currently 57 systemic illnesses (and counting!) that are exacerbated by oral inflammation. We know there’s a link between oral and systemic health, but how does oral bacteria, for example, travel to the rest of the body and cause problems elsewhere?

Join us in this episode of Medical History Mysteries as we talk about the relationship between chronic systemic illnesses and chronic oral disease and the role of inflammation in the process.

Thumbnail background image credit © wildpixel / iStock / Getty Images Plus

**More Medical History Mysteries videos …**

The Dental Economics Network brings you the best content from Dental Economics, RDH, DentistryIQ, and Perio-Implant Advisory.

Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Clinical Insights newsletter, a publication of the Endeavor Business Media Dental Group. Read more articles and subscribe.

About the Author

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, is the chief editor of DentistryIQ and editorial co-director of Through the Loupes. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Maragliano-Muniz began her clinical career as a dental hygienist. She went on to attend Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her doctorate in dental medicine. She then attended the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dental Medicine, where she became board-certified in prosthodontics. Dr. Maragliano-Muniz owns a private practice, Salem Dental Arts, and lectures on a variety of clinical topics. You may contact her at [email protected].

About the Author

Tom Viola, RPh, CCP

With more than 30 years’ experience as a board-certified pharmacist, clinical educator, professional speaker, and published author, Tom Viola, RPh, CCP, has earned the reputation as the go-to specialist for making pharmacology practical and useful for dental teams. He is the founder of Pharmacology Declassified and is a member of the faculty of more than 10 dental professional degree programs. Viola has contributed to several professional journals and pharmacology textbooks, and currently serves as a consultant to the American Dental Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs.