Posted by Scientists have been researching links between poor dental health and overall health for some time. In recent years, many feel that there appears to be a close link between tooth loss and heart disease. In several studies, data was collected from almost 16,000 people in thirty-nine countries. The participants were asked questions about the number of teeth they had and how often they experienced problems with bleeding gums. Approximately forty percent of those in the study had less than fifteen teeth and sixteen percent had no teeth. Of this group, at least twenty-five percent stated that they experienced gum bleeding.
Now you might ask: Why is this important? The answer lies in the fact that those with fewer teeth had higher levels of an enzyme that can cause inflammation and hardening of arteries. Other heart disease risks were also noted such as bad cholesterol levels, higher blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Although it is still unclear as to exactly why there exists the association between gum and teeth health and heart problems, it is believed that perhaps periodontal disease (gum disease) and heart disease share some common risk factors. Dr. Ola Vedin, who is associated with the department of medical sciences at Uppsala University in Sweden, commented in a news release that: Those who believe that a causal relationship exists propose several theories, including …inflammation, the presence of bacteria in the blood from the infected teeth and bacteria invading coronary plaque.
Cardiologists and Boulder dentists alike have been studying this question for some time. Some of their research has stated that gum disease is, in and of itself, a definite risk factor for coronary artery disease. Many believe that inflammation in the gums is an indicator of problems with blood vessels and arteries linked to the brain and provide a serious risk for stroke as well. Research is still ongoing in the medical and dental communities to establish whether these facts are directly correlated. If the findings become certain, it could open up a whole venue for treatment of poor dental health and overall health.
As evidenced by these statements, it is easy to see why a direct link between tooth loss and heart disease has been an evasive issue, to say the least. Most dental and medical professionals do agree, however, that working in conjunction, patients can be warned of the possible link. Dentists call alert patients with gum disease that it may provide an increased risk for heart, stroke or other blood vessel problems.
Physicians, especially cardiologists and those dealing with heart or stroke victims can suggest better periodontal care to their patients. Working together in this way may very likely not only establish a link between tooth loss and heart disease, but find ways to prevent it.
