Scientists say they have established one reason why gum disease may increase the risk of heart disease. The link between gum and heart problems has long been recognized but it is unclear if poor oral health is simply a marker of a person's general well-being. UK and Irish experts now say bacteria enter the bloodstream via sore gums and deposit a clot forming protein. The findings are being presented at a meeting of the Society for General Microbiology. Earlier this year a Scottish study of more than 11,000 people found that people who did not brush their teeth twice a day were at increased risk of heart disease. It backed up previous findings suggesting a link, but researchers stressed the nature of the relationship still needed further analysis.
Scientists from the University of Bristol working with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland now suggest it is the Streptococcus bacteria responsible for causing tooth plaque and gum disease which may be to blame. Their work shows this bacteria once loose in the bloodstream makes a protein known as PadA which forces platelets in the blood to stick together and clot.
"When the platelets clump together they completely encase the bacteria. This provides a protective cover not only from the immune system, but also from antibiotics that might be used to treat infection," said Professor Howard Jenkinson, who led the research. Unfortunately, as well as helping out the bacteria, platelet clumping can cause small blood clots, growths on the heart valve, or inflammation of blood vessels that can block the blood supply to the heart and brain." While maintaining good dental hygiene could minimize the risk, the team is also investigating how the platelet activating function of the protein PadA can be blocked.
Professor Damian Walmsley, scientific adviser to the British Dental Association, said, "Research such as this makes a welcome contribution to further understanding the nature of the relationship between gum disease and heart disease. It also underlines the high importance to the relationship between gum disease and heart disease. It also underlines the high importance of brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, restricting your intake of sugary foods and drinks and visiting the dentist regularly in order to maintain good oral health."
The British Heart Foundation said that other factors besides oral health had a greater impact on heart health. But their senior cardiac nurse Cathy Ross added that combining good oral health care "with a healthy diet, not smoking and taking part in plenty of physical activity will go a long way in helping you reduce your overall risk of heart disease." To learn what dental services are available in Rochester, New York to maintain a healthy heart, visit http://www.dulski.com/services.html.
Tags: Gum Disease, Heart Disease, Oral Health, Risk of Heart Disease, Healthy Heart
Periodontitis, or gum disease, is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the supporting bone and tissues around the teeth. Gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults, and research has suggested gum disease is associated with other diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.Our overall health and oral health are connected and now we believe staying in shape may help lower your risk of developing gum disease.We encourages comprehensive periodontal care through daily tooth brushing and flossing, and routine visits to a dental professional, such as a periodontist, a specialist in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of gum disease.
ReplyDeleteResearchers found diseased gum released significantly higher levels of bacterial pro-inflammatory components such as endotoxins, into the bloodstream in patient with severe periodontal disease compared to healthy patients. As a result, these harmful bacterial components in the blood could travel to the organs in the body,such as the heart and cause harm.
ReplyDeleteI believe that everything said in this article is true and should be taken seriously. Cleaning and maintaining your teeth is an important part of your life. A healthy diet mixed with exercise and routing dental checkups is a perfect combination in preventing any problems associating with this disease.
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