Oral health linked to heart disease

Could brushing and flossing actually save your life?

Your smile may speak volumes about your heart. New research shows that poor scores in five different areas of oral health may serve as a red flag for heart disease risk. A small study shows that poor oral health was a stronger predictor of heart disease than other commonly used risk factors, such as low HDL "good" cholesterol, high levels of a clotting factor called fibrinogen, and high triglycerides (a type of fat).

Researchers say if future studies confirm these results, a dental exam may help identify people at risk for heart attack or stroke who do not yet have symptoms of heart disease.

If you are really worried about heart disease, would you consider spending thousands of dollars for prescription medicines, shelves of healthy cookbooks, fitness machines for your home, and a gym membership each year to try to prevent it? Well, maybe you don’t have to. A number of recent studies suggest that you may already have a cheap and powerful weapon against heart attacks, strokes, and other heart disease conditions. It is none other than a humble toothbrush. Sonicare Toothbrush for example…

So can preventing periodontal disease, a disease of the gums and bone that support the teeth, with brushing and flossing prevent heart disease?

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to have coronary artery disease. One study found that the presence of common problems in the mouth, including gum disease (gingivitis), cavities, and missing teeth, were as good at predicting heart disease as cholesterol levels.

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums, where the gums become swollen, shiny and bleed. Gingivitis is often due to poor oral hygiene, which leads to plaque buildup. The plaque on your teeth then attracts bacteria.
One theory is that the bacteria found in gum disease can enter your bloodstream and cause inflammation. This inflammation has been linked to the formation of blood clots and the thickening of your arteries. As a result, this can lead to both strokes and heart attacks. Your mouth has many bacteria in it, but not all the bugs can affect your heart. Researchers found that only certain bacteria in your mouth are actually linked to heart disease.

Other studies also have pointed to a relationship between periodontal disease and stroke. In one study that looked at the causal relationship of oral infection as a risk factor for stroke, people diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia were found more likely to have an oral infection when compared to those in the control group.

While it is important to visit your dentist twice a year to remove plaque and tartar, it is the daily brushing and flossing that is key to keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Creating good habits in your own personal life and in that of your children can make an impact on both the health of your heart and your teeth.

Reduce your risk of heart disease with the most effective oral health system - The Philips Sonicare electric toothbrush. Clinically proven to reduce harmful bacteria and provide better cleaning than standard toothbrushes.

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Sources

Warner, J (2004) The Web: "Oral Health Score May Reveal Heart Risks" [online]
http://www.mydentistusa.com/cosmetic-dentistry-articles/oral-health-score-may-reveal-heart-risks.htm
[Accessed January 10, 2009]

Web MD (2006) The Web: "Periodontal Disease and Heart Health" [online]
http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/features/periodontal-disease-heart-health
[Accessed January 10, 2009]

SOURCES: Moise Desvarieux, MD, PhD, MPH, department of epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York. Gordon Douglass, DDS, past president, American Academy of Periodontology. Sally Cram, DDS, spokeswoman, American Dental Association. Desvarieux, M. Circulation, Feb. 8, 2005; vol 111: pp 576-582. Gordon, D. Circulation, March 9, 2004; vol 109: pp 1076-1078. Janket, S. Circulation, March 9, 2004; vol 109: pp 1095-1100. The Cleveland Clinic. American Heart Association. American Dental Association. American Academy of Periodontology.

American Academy of Periodontology The Web "Gum Disease Links to Heart Disease and Stroke" [online]
http://www.perio.org/consumer/mbc.heart.htm [Accessed January 10, 2009]

Long, E (2006) The Web: "Make Your Toothbrush a Weapon Against Heart Disease" [online]
http://www.consumer-health.com/services/cons_take58.htm
Accessed January 10, 2009

Author: Deniz Husrev
Date Published: 01/14/2009
Keywords: Periodontal health, gum disease, heart disease