Gum
Disease and Your Heart
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 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 other heart illnesses.
People
with periodontal disease, which is over one half the adult population,
have an infection that causes chronic inflammation of the gums. It is
also 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.
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 all people over 18 have at least the early
stages of periodontal disease and after the age of 35, three of four
people are affected to some degree.
Preventing
and treating periodontal disease should be a high priority towards maintaining
your overall health. Visit your dentist on a regular basis and you will
be taking a positive step towards preventing potential heart disease.
