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.                        Recommendations to keep the mouth and heart healthy:

·       Brush and floss regularly-to remove plaque forming bacteria, brush 2 times per day and floss daily.

·       Choose healthy diet-rich in vitamins A and C.  Reduce or eliminate sugar and starches.

·       Avoid cigarettes and smokeless tobacco - smokeless tobacco can destroy the gums and increase the chance of heart disease.

·       Visit the dentist for regular cleanings and exams-make sure your dentist knows you have a heart problem.  Always tell your dentist your medical history, current conditions and any medications you are taking

For more information on how to keep your smile healthy, contact Dr. Lee and 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. 

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.”

3 Tips To Preventive Hygiene For Kids

Summer vacation is over for the kids and it’s time to get back to school, work activities and sports.  Back to school time can be hectic, but don’t let your child’s oral health be neglected.  Statics show that dental disease and tooth decay can cause pain which leads to missed school days and poor school performance. Here are some statistics:

·       children with tooth aches are 4 times more likely to have a lower grade than their classmates

·       children with poor oral health miss 6 school days per year

·       parents miss 2.5 days of work per year to care for children with dental problems

Here are some tips for kids to prevent dental disease and tooth decay:

1.     Limit sugar intake

·       stay away from juice boxes, sports drinks and sodas, they are all sugar and acidic

·       bacteria in the mouth live on sugar and excrete acid which leads to tooth decay

·       drink WATER, healthiest option

2.     Cheese is a healthy Snack

·       studies show cheese reduces the amount of cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth

·       cheese stimulates the production of saliva and helps to fight against tooth decay

3.     Xylitol

·       naturally occurring sugar found in fruits and vegetables

·       good sugar substitute, can be used for baking and a wide range of tasty treats

·       boost oral health by stopping the growth of cavity-causing bacteria

·       eating or chewing gum with xylitol has been shown to reduce tooth decay

For more information on your kids and their back to school hygiene, contact Dr. Lee and her team today.

Prevent Dental Decay

The excitement of school is back and your children may be consuming a variety of foods during breakfast and with school lunches. While it can be difficult to regulate the food they are consuming during the day, here are 2 habits you can help them with to prevent dental decay.

1.     Brushing & Flossing routine

·       brush with fluoridated toothpaste 2x/day for 2 minutes

·       floss daily

·       positive reinforcement with a brushing/flossing chart and stickers to enforce healthy habits

·       make brushing and flossing fun; brushing to a song, do a counting game

·       parents need to be a good example; parents brush and floss and children want to follow and do the same

·       “Tell, show, do” is a great method for explaining and showing the need for healthy oral care habits

2.     Regular dental visits

·       regular dental checkups can prevent dental disease and tooth decay

·       usually every 6 months for checkups; teeth cleaning, x-rays as needed

·       sealant treatment as needed

·       fluoride treatment as needed

·       visit and talk to your dentist and find out what is the best daily dental care regimen for your child

 

If you have any questions about your children’s oral health care, please contact Dr. Anna Lee at                   626-335-5114 or email at drannalee1@gmail.com