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by Avery Hurt
The past few years have seen a slew of studies suggesting an association between poor oral health and heart disease. A few examples: A 2002 study in the Journal of Periodontology found that diseased gums release substances into the bloodstream that can cause inflammation. In a more recent study, one that’s consistent with previous findings, researchers at Columbia University found that people with a higher level of the bacteria that cause gum disease also had thicker carotid arteries, a condition associated with heart disease.
While no one knows the exact connection between dental health and heart disease, the leading theory is that an infection that begins with dental problems circulates through the body and causes trouble in the heart as well. “We do know that inflammation is a factor in cardiovascular disease,” explains Gerald Fletcher, M.D., professor of cardiology at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL. So it seems likely, he says, that infection—which may be associated with inflammation—could be what connects the two conditions.
Adds Sally Cram, DDS, a periodontist in Washington, D.C., and a spokesperson for the American Dental Association: “Researchers are now trying to get more specific, isolating the type and quantity of bacteria involved in these processes.”
While the evidence is intriguing, there isn’t enough of it—yet—to put bad teeth up there with a sedentary lifestyle and obesity as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It is a connection worth paying attention to, however. “So far there are no data proving that poor dental health is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, but dental infection may be an inflammatory process, so cardiologists are recommending good dental care as part of a heart-care program,” says Dr. Fletcher.
Dr. Cram agrees. “We can’t say to people that if you have periodontal disease, you are likely to have a heart attack,” she says. “But we do have enough evidence to justify taking blood pressure at periodontal checks and asking people when they last saw their physicians.” She notes that just bringing up the topic with patients and pointing out the possible connection may encourage people to pay more attention to other aspects of their heart health, such as diet and exercise, and to take steps to improve their overall health.
Meanwhile, we don’t have to wait for the results of scientific investigation to become diligent about brushing and flossing our teeth and making an appointment for a cleaning and checkup.
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