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Exploring Diseases Linked To Oral
Health: Cardiovascular Disease
THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
AND PERIODONTAL BACTERIA:
Recent research indicates that severe chronic gum disease,
periodontitis,
is associated with the development of cardiovascular disease.
THEORY
There are several theories as to how periodontitis may have an impact
on heart
health.
One theory is that oral bacteria can affect the heart when they enter
the blood stream, attaching to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries
(heart blood vessels) and contributing to clot formation. Coronary artery
disease is characterized by a thickening of the walls of the coronary
arteries due to the buildup of fatty proteins. Blood clots can obstruct
normal blood flow, restricting the amount of nutrients and oxygen required
for the heart to function properly. This may lead to heart attacks. (1)
Another theory is that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease
increases plaque build up, which may contribute to swelling of the arteries.
(1)
RESEARCH STUDIES
Scientists have hypothesized that oral bacteria shed from chronic gum,
or periodontal, infections may enter the circulatory system, and possibly
contribute to diseases of the heart and other body organs. The concept,
known as the “focal
infection theory,” was widely accepted in medicine but fell
out of fashion by the 1940s, then resurfaced four decades later with the
publication of new data proposing a link.
Supporting this hypothesis has been difficult because
researchers have yet to identify a molecule or some other telltale biological
marker that is somehow linked to these conditions.
Recent research studies however have found that people
with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary
artery disease as those without periodontal disease.
The American
Academy of Periodontology cites a study from February 2002,
published in the Journal of Periodontology that confirms that data reveals
diseased gums pump high levels of harmful bacterial components into the
bloodstream.
NIDCR
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research has numerous
articles detailing research studies conducted between 2003 and 2006 examining
the possible association between tooth loss, periodontal disease, and
cardiovascular disease. (2)
In an article by Mayo
Clinic staff, they state that "research shows that several types
of cardiovascular disease may be linked to oral health. These include
heart disease, clogged arteries, stroke and bacterial endocarditis. Some
researchers believe that bacteria from gum disease can enter your bloodstream
and travel through your arteries to your heart, affecting your cardiovascular
system. Although periodontal disease seems to be associated with heart
disease, more studies are needed before the link can be confirmed with
certainty." (3)
Medical
News Today has an excerpt from the January
2007 Harvard Health Publications which states "Although we sill have
a lot to learn about whether, and how, periodontitis and other oral problems
are linked to heart disease, the Harvard Heart Letter notes that it still
makes good sense to take care of your teeth. Brush and floss every day,
and see your dentist at least twice a year for regular cleanings and oral
exams. This will pay off for your oral health and just may benefit your
heart as well." (4)
TALK WITH YOUR DENTIST
According to the American
Dental Association (ADA) to safeguard your health, it's important
to let your dentist know if you have a heart condition, if you have recently
had heart surgery and what, if any, medications you are taking for it
before you have any dental treatments. Your dentist will record important
health information in your record and coordinate treatment with your physician.
(5)
Any time there is bleeding in the mouth, oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream
and travel to the heart. This presents a risk for some patients who have
cardiac abnormalities or other heart conditions. The bacteria may cause
endocarditis, a serious inflammation of the heart valves or tissues.
Periodontal disease can also exacerbate existing heart
conditions. Patients at risk for infective endocarditis may require antibiotics
prior to dental procedures. Your periodontist and cardiologist will be
able to determine if your heart condition requires use of antibiotics
prior to dental procedures.
The American
Heart Association and the American Dental Association publish guidelines
for dentists to help them protect patients at risk of developing bacterial
endocarditis. The guidelines recommend the use of antibiotics before dental
treatment, based on patients' medical conditions and on the dental treatment
they will receive. (6)
How does bacterial endocarditis happen? Gum
disease is a bacterial infection that can affect conditions outside
your mouth. In heart disease, one theory is that gum disease can cause
bacteria to enter the bloodstream where they attach to the fatty deposits
in the heart blood vessels. This condition can cause blood clots and may
lead to heart attacks.
Premedication — taking antibiotics before the treatment —
may be necessary for dental procedures such as professional tooth cleaning,
extractions, incision and drainage of infected oral tissue, some types
of injections and some oral surgeries.
Tell your dentist if your health status has changed since your last dental
visit. Your dentist may consult with your physician or cardiologist to
determine which antibiotics you should take. Fill the prescription before
your next visit and closely follow the instructions for the dosage and
frequency. Dispose of outdated prescriptions, which may not help you and
might make you ill.
MAINTAIN THE HEALTH OF YOUR MOUTH AND CARE FOR
YOUR BODY
Dr.
Nick's WHITE & healthy products not only help you to maintain the
health of your mouth but with continued use, you can help to maintain
care for your body.
• Brushing
and rinsing your teeth regularly. Dr. Nick's WHITE & healthy products
not only whiten your teeth, but Dr.
Nick's unique patented formula of the toothpaste and mouthwash
help to fight germs that cause bad breath and can lead to gum disease.
Dr. Nick's WHITE & healthy toothpaste and mouthwash are dentist formulated
from natural
ingredients,
are alcohol free, and mitigates symptoms of periodontal disease.
• Daily flossing to clean in between teeth where brushing cannot
reach
• Visit a dentist regurly for check-ups and cleaning
• Eat a well-balanced diet. Also if you have problems with gums
increase vitamin C consumption, which helps wounds heal, strengthens blood
vessels, prevents cataract formation, builds connective tissue, healthy
gums, skin and promotes strong teeth and bones. Vitamin C may also boost
immunity and protect cells from free radical damage.(4)
• Avoid tobacco products
RESOURCES
(1) American Academy of Periodontology:
Heart
Disese and Stroke (June 2004)
New
Study Confirms Periodontal Disease Linked to Heart Disease (March
2005)
(3) NIDCR National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial
Research:
Scientists
Report Important Lead in Studying Possible Association Between Periodontal
and Cardiovascular Disease (2003)
Study Finds Direct Association Between Cardiovascular
Disease and Periodontal Bacteria (February 2005)
Study
Reappraises Periodontal-Cardiovascular Disease Link (July 2005)
The Inside Scoop: Looking at the Periodontal-Systemic
Disease Connection (August 2005)
First
Gene Profile of Oral Pathogen as It Invades Coronary Artery (September
2005)
Study
Suggests How Oral Bacterium Might Cause Cardiovascular Disease (May
2006)
(3) Mayo Clinic: DENTAL
Oral
health: A window to your overall health (February 2007)
(4) Medical News today
Possible
Link Between Oral Health And Heart Health, From The Harvard Heart Letter(January
2007)
(5) American
Dental Association (ADA)
(6) American
Heart Association
HEALTH TOPICS
Your
Mouth Is A Doorway To Your Body's Health!
Inflammation
& Gum Disease - What is Gingivitis?
The
Progression of Gum Disease
Exploring
Diseases Linked To Oral Health: Cardiovascular Disease
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