Heart disease is as related to periodontal disease as it is to obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. Over 40 years ago, Congress declared February to be American Heart Month. Heart disease and periodontal disease are preventable, so make an appointment with your doctor and your dental professional now.
Studies by the American Academy of Periodontology, the National Institute of Health (NIH), and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research show that people with adult periodontitis may have an increased risk of having a fatal heart attack. They are more likely to be diagnosed with cardiovascular disease caused by bacteria from the mouth increasing clotting problems in the cardiovascular system.
The February 7, 2002, issue of the Journal of Periodontology announced a study linking periodontal disease and heart disease via high levels of bacteria pumped from diseased gums into the bloodstream. This finding was confirmed by researchers at the University of Buffalo who suggest that periodontal disease may cause oral bacterial components to enter the bloodstream through the mouth and trigger the liver to produce C-reactive protein (CRP).
C-reactive protein can create fatty deposits that put you at risk for blood clots; it is a predictor for increased risk for cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association reports that high levels of C-reactive proteins increase heart attack risks by two to five times.
Bacteria can enter the body through failed natural barriers, which include skin and gums. Healthy gum tissue is an effective barrier; unhealthy gum tissue is a less effective barrier. I asked my doctor for a CRP blood test, which is inexpensive ($25 to $50) if your insurance doesn’t cover it. He wrote the prescription and I had the test, which was negative.
Frederic Pashkow, M.D., University of Hawaii’s School of Medicine, says that periodontal disease is now considered the second leading risk factor for heart disease after smoking.
Studies by the American Academy of Periodontology, the National Institute of Health (NIH), and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research show that people with adult periodontitis may have an increased risk of having a fatal heart attack. They are more likely to be diagnosed with cardiovascular disease caused by bacteria from the mouth increasing clotting problems in the cardiovascular system.
The February 7, 2002, issue of the Journal of Periodontology announced a study linking periodontal disease and heart disease via high levels of bacteria pumped from diseased gums into the bloodstream. This finding was confirmed by researchers at the University of Buffalo who suggest that periodontal disease may cause oral bacterial components to enter the bloodstream through the mouth and trigger the liver to produce C-reactive protein (CRP).
C-reactive protein can create fatty deposits that put you at risk for blood clots; it is a predictor for increased risk for cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association reports that high levels of C-reactive proteins increase heart attack risks by two to five times.
Bacteria can enter the body through failed natural barriers, which include skin and gums. Healthy gum tissue is an effective barrier; unhealthy gum tissue is a less effective barrier. I asked my doctor for a CRP blood test, which is inexpensive ($25 to $50) if your insurance doesn’t cover it. He wrote the prescription and I had the test, which was negative.
Frederic Pashkow, M.D., University of Hawaii’s School of Medicine, says that periodontal disease is now considered the second leading risk factor for heart disease after smoking.
What I know for sure is that it’s all connected.
This article is excerpted from:
Got Teeth? A Survivor’s Guide
How to keep your teeth or live without them.
http://www.gotteethguide.com/