The 4th pleiotropic locus between coronary artery disease and periodontitis is a haplotype block at the VAMP8 locus (Munz et al., 2018). Finally, following the review of the presented evidence, recommendations for both medical and dental teams, as well as patients and the public, were elaborated. Furthermore, section 4.3 “What is the effect of statin intake on clinical periodontal outcomes?
Ischaemic heart disease, stroke, hypertension (leading to heart failure), rheumatic heart disease, cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation cause over 95% of CVD‐related deaths (Roth et al., 2015). Better communication and integration between medical and dental specialists could also improve CVD outcomes linked to PD. Medical and dental care are currently fragmented and in need of better integration nationally and locally, with shared Electronic Health Records (EHR’s) potentially playing a larger role. Lastly, interdisciplinary conferences are needed to determine the best strategies for clinical collaborations and to identify needs for future research on the association between oral health and ASCVD. Strong associations have been noted between PD and vascular risk factors, leading to the development of the common soil hypothesis.
Many people are surprised to learn that there is a connection between poor dental health and heart disease. In fact, research has shown that there is a strong link between the two, with gum disease being a potential risk factor for heart problems. But how exactly does poor dental health lead to heart disease? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
People with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease than people without it. This is probably because diabetics are more likely to get infections in general. People who do not know they have diabetes, or whose diabetes is not under control, are especially at risk. People with gum disease are almost twice as likely to have coronary artery (heart) disease than people without gum disease.
Bacteria in the Mouth
The current review is limited by the inability to establish causality between PD and CVD in prior studies due to confounding factors from multiple shared risk factors and pathophysiologic mechanisms. The existing data is predominantly observational, with limited sample size and very little randomized controlled trial data. In addition, the criteria and evaluation methods for PD appear to differ among studies potentially impacting outcomes. “Periodontal disease increases the body’s burden of inflammation,” says periodontist Dr. Hatice Hasturk of the Harvard-affiliated Forsyth Institute, a not-for-profit research organization focused on oral health. Acute inflammation — which involves an outpouring of immune cells that attack irritants and microbial invaders — fosters healing over the short term.
Other types of bacteria form plaque that — if not removed by regular brushing and flossing — hardens into tartar, Dr. Jiang explains. The observed relationship between PD and ASCVD has important public health implications. Both are highly prevalent and disproportionately affect those with lower socioeconomic status (SES). In a report by the Institute of Medicine in 2011, they recommended that interprofessional, team-based dental care has the potential to improve care-coordination, patient oucomes and produce cost savings [72]. To date, there’s no proof that treating gum disease will prevent cardiovascular disease or its complications. But the connection is compelling enough that dentists (and many doctors) say it’s yet another reason to be vigilant about preventing gum disease in the first place.
Our mouths are full of bacteria, both good and bad. When we don’t take care of our teeth and gums properly, harmful bacteria can build up and form plaque. This can lead to gum disease, which is characterized by inflammation and infection of the gums.
Inflammation and Infection
When gums become inflamed and infected due to gum disease, the body’s immune system kicks into gear to fight off the infection. This inflammatory response can also affect the blood vessels, making them more prone to damage and narrowing. Over time, this can contribute to the development of heart disease.
Spread of Bacteria
In some cases, the bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream through the inflamed gums. Once in the bloodstream, these bacteria can travel to other parts of the body, including the heart. This can cause infections in the heart or lead to the formation of blood clots, which can block blood flow to the heart and cause a heart attack.
FAQs
- Can brushing and flossing regularly help prevent heart disease?
- Yes, good oral hygiene habits can help reduce the risk of gum disease and lower the chances of harmful bacteria entering the bloodstream.
- What are other ways to maintain good dental health?
- In addition to brushing and flossing, regular dental check-ups, a balanced diet, and avoiding tobacco products can all contribute to good dental health.
In conclusion, poor dental health can have serious consequences beyond just tooth decay and gum disease. By taking care of our teeth and gums, we can help protect our overall health and reduce the risk of heart disease. It’s important to prioritize oral hygiene as part of our overall wellness routine.
