Reduce heart disease
Editorial written by Professor Gordon Lynch, Research Manager, Fitness2Live
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Researchers have discovered a new link between gum disease and heart disease that may help find ways to save lives.
Causes
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. However, many people with cardiovascular disease have none of the common risk factors such as:
- smoking
- obesity
- high cholesterol.
Recent evidence suggests that chronic infection is associated with atherosclerosis - the main cause of heart attacks due to hardening and thickening of the arteries.
Gum disease is a common source of chronic infection and many studies have linked gum disease with cardiovascular conditions, such as heart disease and stroke.
How it happens
The idea is that bacteria from infected gums causes inflammation that opens up pores in the surrounding blood vessels, allowing the bacteria to enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body, polluting the arteries of the heart and causing significant harm.
The bacteria from diseased gums can cause inflammation of the arteries which may lead to a heart attack. This potential effect of periodontal bacteria further supports the need for periodic deep cleanings to enhance overall health and wellbeing.
Research findings
Recent studies by Professor Greg Seymour from the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand have implicated proteins produced during the inflammatory response, called heat shock proteins or HSPs.
His group showed that HSP production caused by tooth decay or gum disease can confuse the body's immune system into launching an attack on its own proteins. When this happens, white blood cells can accumulate in the arteries causing atherosclerosis. The researchers believe their results highlight the importance of adult oral health to overall health and wellbeing.
What to do
We need to maintain the health of our teeth and gums. Not treating gum disease can seriously affect our overall health, particularly our risk for heart attack and stroke.
A regular check-up with a dentist will ensure that potential problems are detected and treated early and help keep us healthy now and in the future.
References:
Boehm TK, Scannapieco FA (2007) The epidemiology, consequences and management of periodontal disease in older adults. Journal of the American Dental Association 138 Supplement: 26S-33S.
Seymour GJ, Ford PJ, Cullinan MP, Leishman S, Yamazaki K (2007) Relationship between periodontal infections and systemic disease. Clinical Microbiology and Infection 13 Suppl 4: 3-10.
This information should be considered as a general guide only. Please consult our Dental Practices or your own physician before proceeding with any treatment.