Gum Disease Can Lead to Heart Disease

First the bad news. Recent medical research has caused many doctors to reach a startling conclusion: gum disease and heart disease are linked. And, since heart disease is usually fatal, it is clear that gum disease can actually kill you.

I’m sorry if this sounds blunt. There is no cheerful way to communicate this and it’s not the normal thing you hear from your dentist. It does, however, place the usual dentist chant about brushing and flossing in a new, and suddenly urgent, perspective.

The American Dental Association estimates that 8 out of 10 Americans have some form of periodontal (gum) disease. If this were any other affliction, such as AIDS or tuberculosis, it would be considered an epidemic! Most dentists think that it is
just that.

However, they also knew that gum disease would never be labeled epidemic because, they reasoned, “no one ever dies from gum disease.” The worst that could happen is that you lose your teeth. Not pleasant - but certainly not life threatening.

But that’s all changed.

The American Academy of Periodontology recently reported that “[Recent] studies found that periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, the nation’s number one cause of death, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases.”

Dentists have suspected this link for years, but now there’s enough supporting data to really back up that suspicion. Periodontal disease is characterized by inflammation and bacterial infection of the gums surrounding the teeth. These bacteria can travel into the bloodstream and then to other parts of the body, putting your general health at risk. One of the worst places these bacteria can travel to is the heart.

Now the Good News

With mild periodontal disease, there are very effective NON-surgical procedures which, coupled with improved dental hygiene, can virtually halt the spread of the disease in its tracks. Essentially, the pockets around the teeth containing bacteria must be cleaned. This is usually covered under most dental insurance plans. Then, of course, the patient must keep them clean with regular brushing and flossing.

If you haven’t yet contracted periodontal disease, I seriously suggest breaking out
the floss right now at least once a day, along with regular professional cleanings and, of course, twice-a-day brushings. Routine brushing should seem more purposeful now, more a part of your general health care, and not just something you do to prevent cavities.

I would further suggest buying an electric, plaque-removing toothbrush, which is more effective than the standard toothbrush in removing the plaque containing
these bacteria.

To help people learn more about this health concern, the American Academy Of Periodontology is launching a national public education campaign that will include a toll-free consumer information number (1-800-FLOSS-EM), interactive website (www.perio.org) where questions about oral health and gum disease will be answered by an academy periodontist, and educational materials on the links between gum disease and heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory disease.

My hope is that you can live a healthy life! Taking care of your teeth and gums is very much a part of making that happen.

Warm regards,

Dr. Leonard Tau
The Pennsylvania Center for Dental Excellence