Periodontal Disease is Independent Risk Factor for Heart Disease

Posted on October 19th, 2009 | In Word Of Mouth

New research exists which shows a connection between chronic oral infections and cardiovascular disease. The so called “Oral-Systemic Connection” links gum diseases with increased risk for heart attacks and strokes.

Periodontal Disease is Independent Risk Factor for Heart Disease

Perio Tx reduces systemic inflammation and risk of heart disease & stroke.

Periodontitis is an often undiagnosed chronic infection in the mouth. It is believed to be the most common chronic inflammatory disease in humans. Oral bacteria produce endotoxins which inhibit cell cycle progression and induce pro-inflammatory cytokine networks (1) such as CRP, IL-6, and activated neutrophils (2) and macrophages.

Research has also shown that appropriate treatment for gum disease significantly reduces the levels of inflammatory proteins (CRP) associated with a heightened risk of heart disease (4). Research has shown that people with gum disease have a 25% increased risk of heart disease compared to those with minimal to no periodontal disease (3).

C-reactive protein and other systemic markers of inflammation have been identified as risk factors. Because they increase inflammatory activity in atherosclerotic lesions (5), and are known to cause and worsen the progression of atherosclerotic heart disease, any condition known to raise their systemic levels should be immediately suspect. Periodontal disease stands as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

1- Henderson B, et. al., Molecular Pathogenicity of the Oral Opportunistic Pathogen A.A. Ann Rev of Microbiology Vol. 57: 29-55 2- Loos B, et.al., Elevation of Systemic Markers Related to Cardiovascular Diseases in the Peripheral Blood of Periodontitis Patients. J Perio 2000 Oct; 71(10):1528-34. 3- DeStefano F, Anda RF et al, Dental disease and risk of coronary heart disease and mortality. Brit Med J 306:688-691, 1993 4- Grossi, S, et al. Periodontal Therapy Lowers Levels of Heart Disease Inflammation Markers. ADA News 04/21/2004. 5- Ibid, Loos.

Important Points:

• Gum disease increases systemic inflammation
• CRP increases risk of heart disease
• Perio treatment lowers systemic inflammation

Dr. David Weaver
Rivergate Dental Care
133 North Creek Blvd.
Goodlettsville, TN 37072

Phone: 888.411.SEDATE
Fax: 615.851.3535

Heart and Gum Disease Share Important Link

Posted on October 19th, 2009 | In Word Of Mouth

Emerging science is highlighting the important connection between the mouth and the health in the rest of the body, particularly heart disease. As inflammation in the body increases, so does the risk for developing cardiovascular disease.

Heart and Gum Disease Share Important Link

Heart and Gum Disease Share Important Link

The medical literature is emerging with numerous studies which support the conclusion that coronary heart disease is linked with periodontal disease (a). In fact, dental health is significantly worse in patients with acute myocardial infarction (b).

It is now known that atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease, and that inflammation and infection are factors that induce or promote inflammation and artherogenesis (c). Heart disease is no considered to be more than just a lipid disorder (d). Indeed the lifetime burden of low-grade chronic inflammation from chronic pathogens is thought to create risk of athrosclerosis and thrombosis (e).

Deep periodontal pockets are characteristic of progressive gum disease. They have been linked with ECG abnormalities, suggesting a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease. Elevated levels of the inflammatory cytokines, including CRP associated with periodontitis may cause inflammatory changes to atherosclerotic lesions, increasing the risk of cardiac events (f).

With these findings physician and dentist should work together to control these risk factors, especially in at-risk patients.

a- Briggs JE, et.al, J Periodontol 2006.77.1.95. b- Mattila KJ, et.al., Brit Med J 189; 298:779-81. c- Ross R, NEJM Vol.340:115-126 Jan 14, 1999. d- Steinberg D, Nature Medicine?8, pp. 1211-1217 (2002). e- Herzberg MC, Annals of Periodontology, 2001, Vol. 6, No. 1, Pages 16-19. f- ADA News Release

Important Points:

• Gum disease increases systemic inflammation.
• ECG abnormalities more common in people with gum disease.
• Tx for periodontal disease reduces risk of complications

Dr. David Weaver
Rivergate Dental Care
133 North Creek Blvd.
Goodlettsville, TN 37072

Phone: 888.411.SEDATE
Fax: 615.851.3535