Periodontal disease is an inflammatory response to bacteria that reside within the gum tissue.
Scientists at the CCID are working with the Thurston Arthritis Center, the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the UNC School of Pharmacy to develop new anti-inflammatory agents that will be effective in treatments for periodontal disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and other inflammatory disorders. Clinicians at the CCID have a strong active program in periodontal disease prevention and management using the latest and most effective therapies. Patients with Coronary Heart Disease . Investigators at the CCID have recently demonstrated that periodontitis is a significant independent risk factor for the fatality and morbidity associated with coronary heart diseases such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction and stroke. Scientists at the CCID are trying to develop new and more effective anti-inflammatory treatments for periodontal disease and coronary heart disease, to lessen the risk for a fatal heart attack or stroke.