Cardiovascular disease and stroke

 

Recent studies have shown that periodontal disease is much more insidious than previously thought, affecting the entire body.  There is evidence of a direct link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease and stroke.  Some studies have shown a half- to four-fold increased risk for cardiovascular disease in people with periodontal disease.  In one study, 85% of “heart attack” patients had periodontal disease compared to 29% without any cardiovascular problems.  Periodontal disease has also been associated with stroke.  In addition, high cholesterol blood levels have been associated with both chronic periodontal disease and coronary artery disease.  Recent evidence has pointed to the inflammatory response as the common element.  This is an over-reaction of the immune system that causes injury to tissues in the body.  A common link between patients with perio and cardiac conditions is C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker for inflammatory response.  Some experts believe that immune factors causing the response are released into the blood stream during periodontal diseases and cause injury in the arteries supplying blood to the heart.  Other evidence suggests that the bacteria itself, particularly P. gingivalis, may play a direct role in arterial injury.  Destructive bacteria from periodontal infections cause the gums to swell, and these bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to other major organs to start new infections.

 

Routine, effective treatment for periodontal infection is needed.  Make sure you get in to see your general dentist and ask about periodontal disease.  Be sure the office you go to monitors your pocket depths on a regular basis.  Don’t take your oral health for granted!

 

More Info: Heart Disease and Periodontal Disease