What is the association between periodontal disease and heart disease?

    Some patients and healthcare providers continue to claim that periodontal disease is linked to heart disease. 

A 2014 study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine claimed patients who were treated for periodontal disease have lower medical costs and fewer hospitalizations for coronary artery disease.

Another study was published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine: Tooth loss in adults may be linked to a greater risk of heart disease.  Here are the test results:

·       Study participants possess all of their natural teeth                           4.7% have heart disease

·       Study participants missing 1-5 teeth                 experienced 21% increase of heart disease

·       Study participants missing 6-31 teeth               experienced 60% increase of heart disease

·       Study participants with no teeth                                   experienced 81% increase of heart disease

Results of this study are consistent with other research that links periodontal disease and tooth loss to an increased risk of heart attack.  However, researchers note these results do not prove tooth loss and periodontal disease cause heart disease and that more research is needed.

           For more information on preventing periodontal disease contact Dr. Anna Lee & her team today.

What is the association between periodontal disease and heart disease?

    

 Some patients and healthcare providers continue to claim that periodontal disease is linked to heart disease. 

2014 study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine claimed that patients who were treated for periodontal disease have lower medical costs and fewer hospitalizations for coronary artery disease.

Another study was published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine: Tooth loss in adults may be linked to a greater risk of heart disease.  Here are the test results:

·       Study participants possess all of their natural teeth                           4.7% has heart disease

·       Study participants missing 1-5 teeth                 experienced 21% increase of heart disease

·       Study participants missing 6-31 teeth               experienced 60% increase of heart disease

·       Study participants with no teeth                                   experienced 81% increase of heart disease

Results of this study are consistent with other research that links periodontal disease and tooth loss to an increased risk of heart attack.  However, researchers note that these results do not prove that tooth loss and periodontal disease cause heart disease and that more research is needed.

How is periodontal disease associated with heart disease?                                                        Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that can affect conditions outside of the mouth.  In heart disease, one theory is that periodontal 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.

 Regular healthy habits can lower the risk of both periodontal disease and heart disease.                       

Periodontal Disease and Cardiovascular Disease

  

 Several studies have shown that periodontal disease is associated with heart disease.  These studies have found that there is a strong correlation between the oral condition and heart disease.  However, researchers at the American Heart Association (AHA) say that there is no conclusive evidence that preventing periodontal disease can prevent heart disease.

A scientific statement from the American Heart Association (AHA) came out on April 18, 2012.       It states the followings:

·       Periodontal disease and atherosclerotic vascular disease (heart disease) share several common risk factors: cigarette smoking, age, and diabetes.

·       There is no evidence of a causal relationship between periodontal disease and atherosclerotic vascular disease. There is no evidence to support that treating periodontal disease will reduce heart disease.

 Pamela McClain, DDS, president of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), states that periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease are both complex diseases that develop over time. She continues, “The relationship between the diseases is more likely to be mediated by numerous other factors.  Patients and healthcare providers should not ignore the increased risk of heart disease associated with gum disease just because we do not have all the answers yet.”