Risk stratification and dental management of the patient with cardiovascular diseases. Part II: Oral disease burden and principles of dental management

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the United States and most other Western countries. In the United States alone, more than 1 million annual deaths and as many as three times that number of serious consequences can be attributed to these conditions. To provide care to patients with cardiovascular disease, oral health care providers must understand the disease, its treatment, and its impact on the patient's ability to undergo and respond to dental care. (Quintessence Int 2005;36:209-227).