Your Gums and Your Heart?

New studies are emerging linking periodontal (gum) disease with major medical conditions such as stroke, diabetes and even heart attacks. The numerous types of bacteria associated with periodontal disease may not be as innocuous as we all presumed.

Periodontal disease is found in the majority of people over 35 years of age. It is now believed that untreated chronic periodontal disease may weaken the body's immune system due to the constant exposure to the millions of bacteria in infected gums. These bacteria enter the blood stream through the numerous tiny blood vessels adjacent to the teeth. There are numerous different types of bacteria involved that can lead to serious consequences.
more >

Heart Disease

A few years ago, large scale health surveys began revealing a connection between the incidence of periodontal disease and the risk of coronary heart disease. More recently, scientists have been examining this link more directly. In 1998, Temple University took a type of bacteria from the mouths of patients with severe gum disease called "Porphymoras gingivalis" and exposed it to human blood platelets. The platelets almost immediately began to clump together, a process that in the human blood stream greatly increases a person's risk of heart attack and stroke.

Lung Disease

This past winter, University of Buffalo researchers, using data from more than 10,000 participants in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHASNES III) reported that subjects with chronic lung conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis and emphysema had more gum detachment (disease) than those with no lung disease, even after adjusting for other risk factors.

Diabetes

A separate analysis of (NHANES III) data indicated that people with severe periodontal disease, regardless of weight, had a higher index of insulin resistance (a known precursor to adult-onset diabetes) than those with little or no gum disease.

A simple way to help prevent these problems of course is to brush and floss at least once a day. Also visit your dentist regularly to get a professional cleaning and check for any signs of gum disease. There may be more at risk than your gums!