Thursday, January 12, 2012

The Link Between Gum Disease and Heart Attacks

Gum Disease May Relate To Heart Attack Risk

Previous studies have found that 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 that 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 stroke.

People with periodontal disease (over half the adult population) have an infection  that causes 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, ofter without pain.  It may develop slowly or progress quite rapidly.  More that half of all people over 18 years of age have at least the early stages of periodontal disease.  Even more alarming, 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.


Periodontal disease may increase  your risk for a variety of health concerns including:  weakened immune system, diabetes, stroke, lung disease, preterm, low-birth-weight babies, kidney disease, respiratory disease, osteoporosis, gastric ulcer, and prosthetic joint complications.  Evidence is mounting relating gum disease to a variety of health concerns, some that are life threatening.  By keeping regular re-care appointments with your dental team, you help increase your chances for a long and happy life.

Determining Periodontal Disease

We can help you better understand periodontal disease and how you can prevent it.  We will painlessly check and monitor the condition of your gums during your re-care appointments.  Your examinations may show signs of infection, such as bleeding or pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that are deeper than normal.  Dr. Dulski may suggest a course of treatment that will stop any further damage to your gums and bones.  We will then design a home-care regimen for your specific needs!  Even healthy looking teeth may have gum disease.  Visit Adult Dentistry of Rochester for a simple exam to learn the health status of your gums.


Tags: Gum Disease, Periodontal Disease, Heart Attack, Stroke

18 comments:

  1. Your heart has to be healthy in order for you to survive shock related to critical health emergencies.

    Serious infections, kidney stones attacks, gall bladder flare-ups, car accidents, & other major health crises demand much of one's heart performance. Your brain quickly shuts down the unnecessary components of your body (urine output, vision, hearing, sense of touch, etc). Your heart will begin to race so hard you believe your heart will burst out of your chest. Unlike in a race, you can't choose to slow down or stop before the finish line.

    Not taking care of your gums is equal to not taking care of your heart.

    Your gums & your heart are composed of the same tissue. This means both are vulnerable to the same bacteria. The bacteria reaches your heart through your blood stream. If your gums aren't healthy due to bacteria, you can bet your heart isn't either.

    If you have untreated periodontal disease, do you really want to wait until being in the midst of a significant health crisis? Do you really want to find out that way whether your heart can go the distance, getting you through the finish line safely and whole?

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  2. Nice analogy Mama Wanda! Most people do not realize they have a periodontal condition. To access your condition have a full series of xrays and a full periodontal reading taken of the bone level by your oral health professional. With this data a diagnosis will be performed and a treatment plan designed specifically for your needs.

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  3. Many doctors have their patient go see a dentist before they can have some procedures done like: bone marrow transplants,chemotherapy,radiation,and some surgeries. They need to make sure that they are in good health and there is nothing going on in their gums like perio disease,cavities or tooth abscess. This can effect the healing in their body.

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  4. We've always known that a little prevention goes a long way, but we used to think of it in terms of avoiding cavities and things like that, Now it seems that by using your toothbrush and your floss, you might also be preventing much more serious health problems down the road.

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  5. Bone Marrow Transplants, Chemotherapy, Radiation..., these are scarey enough without the additional challenges of oral related diseases and/or decay not healing as they should. One of the best things you can do in preparation for your battle against a life-threatening condition is to see your dentist immediately. Don't be afraid of getting x-rays. And, always know the dentist & dental staff are on your side. Courage!

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  6. AT DR. DULSKI'S HE FOLLOWS THE AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION GUIDELINES FOR X-RAYS. BITEWING (CAVITY DETECTING X-RAYS) EVERY 18 MONTHS AND A FULL SERIES OF X-RAYS EVERY THREE YEARS. A FULL SERIES OF X-RAYS CAPTURES THE PERIAPICAL WHICH SHOWS THE CROWN, ROOT AND BONE LEVEL OF TEETH ALONG WITH BITEWINGS.

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  7. It is always best to try to keep your natural teeth, x-rays are the best way to detect things early before they cause you pain or harm.

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  9. Many thanks for posting such a nice and helpful information. Everyone should take care of dental health.
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  10. Great information provided. Gum disease can be ignored as it may harm the body.
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  11. Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the gums and the bone that surrounds the teeth. Our Periodontics dentist in Newmarket perform a comprehensive examination including periodontal charting and x-rays, which minimize bone loss and restore the health of your gums.

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  12. Great information provided, gum disease if ignored can cause major problems and can harm the overall health.
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  13. Studies have shown that people with moderate or advanced gum disease are more likely to have heart disease than those with healthy gums. Oral health holds clues to overall health. Studies have shown that oral health can provide warning signs for other diseases or conditions, including heart disease. Many of the risk factors for gum disease are the same as those for heart disease, such as tobacco use, poor nutrition and diabetes. Overall, people who have chronic gum disease are at higher risk for a heart attack. Gum disease is caused by plaque buildup along and below the gum line. Some researchers have suggested that gum disease may contribute to heart disease because bacteria from infected gums can dislodge, enter the bloodstream, attach to blood vessels and increase clot formation. It has also been suggested that inflammation caused by gum disease may also trigger clot formation. Clots decrease blood flow to the heart, thereby causing an elevation in blood pressure and increasing the risk of a heart attack. Read some more insights on the gum diseases and other dental problems on through the presentations shared by the dental clinic.

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