What's the link between severe gum disease and heart disease?
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American Dental Association answered:While there is no conclusive research showing that severe gum disease causes heart disease, studies indicate that it may be associated with several health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes or stroke.
But just because the two conditions are associated does not mean that one causes the other; it only means that some studies have shown that more people with gum disease experience one of the conditions mentioned above than people without gum disease. This finding could be the result of another factor, like smoking. For example, people who smoke are at higher risk for heart disease, stroke and cancer as well as gum disease. Well-designed clinical trials are needed to establish whether a cause-and-effect relationship exists and to determine if, or how, treating gum disease may affect your overall health.
While there is no conclusive research showing that severe gum disease causes heart disease, studies indicate that it may be associated with several health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes or stroke. But just because the two... More -
Dr. De Vizio of Colgate answered:Although more research needs to be done, some studies suggest that chronic severe gum disease (periodontitis) may be linked to a higher risk of strokes, heart disease, and clogged arteries.
Experts think that the bacteria that live in your mouth and cause the gum disease can lead to a chronic state of inflammation in the body, causing more plaque build-up in the blood vessels. This in turn may cause abnormally thick blood vessels near the heart (coronary arteries). These thickened coronary arteries, along with the fatty plaques that form on the artery walls, can lead to coronary artery disease.
Another possibility is that long-term gum disease may cause heart problems when bacteria from the mouth enter the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, the bacteria can attach to plaques in the blood vessels surrounding your heart. These plaques can then form blood clots that can reduce, or even stop, blood flow to your heart, causing a heart attack.
Although more research needs to be done, some studies suggest that chronic severe gum disease (periodontitis) may be linked to a higher risk of strokes, heart disease, and clogged arteries. Experts think that the bacteria that live in your... More -
Dr. Harvey B. Simon of Harvard Health Publications answered:Dentists and cardiologists have been trying to find answers to your question, but they have not yet succeeded. Several studies have reported that people with periodontitis are more likely to have heart disease than people with healthy gums. But the link may be less than meets the eye. Heart disease and gum disease share several common risk factors, including the male gender, advancing age, smoking, and diabetes. As a result, many people who are at risk for gum disease would also be at risk for heart disease even if the two conditions had no direct link. Still, because periodontitis is an inflammatory condition, it does boost blood levels of C-reactive protein and fibrinogen, both of which have been implicated in coronary artery disease.
It will take awhile to sort out the relationship between gum disease and the heart. And scientists are also working on your second question. The Periodontitis and Vascular Events (PAVE) study is evaluating the effects of periodontal treatment in patients who have both severe gum disease and clear-cut coronary artery disease.
Periodontal treatment may or may not help your heart—but it will help your gums and teeth, and good dental health has been linked to good general health. So keep flossing and brushing, use an antibacterial mouth rinse regularly, and see your dentist. And while you are looking for ways to protect your heart, don't forget the proven benefits of a good diet, regular exercise, avoiding tobacco in all its forms, and controlling blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, body weight, and stress.
Good dental care will protect your teeth from plaque, and good health habits will protect your arteries from plaques.
Find out more about this book: Harvard Medical School Hypertension: Controlling the 'silent killer'
Dentists and cardiologists have been trying to find answers to your question, but they have not yet succeeded. Several studies have reported that people with periodontitis are more likely to have heart disease than people with healthy gums.... More
