Gum Disease May Relate To Heart Attack Risk
Previous studies have found the incidence of heart disease is about twice as
high in people with periodontal (gum) disease, but until recently no plausible
cause had been suggested. Now studies indicate the most common strain of
bacteria in dental plaque may cause blood clots.
 When
blood clots escape into the bloodstream, there is a relation
to increased risk of heart attacks and other heart illnesses.
People with periodontal disease (over one half the adult
population) have an infection that cause chronic inflammation
of the gums. Also, it is a path for
these bacteria to enter the bloodstream.
A recent study describes the association between heart disease
and gum disease to be at least as strong as the linkage of
heart disease to cholesterol, body
weight, or smoking.
Incidence of Periodontal Disease
Unlike most diseases that give us early warning signs, gum disease progresses
silently, often without pain. It may develop slowly or progress quite rapidly.
More than half of the people over 18 have at least the early stages of periodontal
disease. Even more frightening, after the age of 35, three out of four people
are affected to some degree. Periodontal disease is an infection that destroys
the gum surrounding your teeth and also destroys the supporting bone that
holds your teeth in place.
What
Other Health Concerns Are
Related to Gum Disease? |
Attack
Plaque Bacteria With Professional Homecare & Regular
Dental Visits |
Bacteria and plaque have
also been linked to:
- Inflammation of the lining of the blood vessels
that is known to lead to constriction in the arteries.
- Infective endocarditis, a potentially fatal disease
in which the inner lining of the heart becomes inflamed.
- Lung infections in people with chronic lung diseases.
- A weakened immune system that can slow wound healing
and diminish a person's response to hepatitis B and
flu vaccines.
- A higher risk of delivering premature, low birth
weight infants.
- Tooth loss.
|
Plaque bacteria
threatens your teeth, gums, restorative and cosmetic work;
possibly even your life. Attack plaque bacteria with the
Roto-dent® Professional Homecare Instrument.
Roto-dent:
- Removes plaque bacteria as wells as brushing and
flossing.
Journal of Periodontology
- Removes plaque twice as fast as a manual brush.
Swedish Dental Journal
- Cleans the Surface between teeth better than the
other leading power brushes.
Journal of
Clinical Dentistry
|
|
