Periodontal
disease, heart disease and stroke may seem to be
unlikely bedfellows, but researchers have found that
gum disease sufferers are nearly twice as likely to
also suffer from coronary heart disease. In
addition, research studies have discovered that oral
infection is indeed a risk factor for stroke.
People diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia
were more likely to also be experiencing some degree
of periodontal disease.
Periodontal
disease is a progressive condition in which the
gingival tissue surrounding the teeth is infected by
the colonization of bacteria. Bacteria found in
plaque colonize first above, then below the g
gumline causing the tissue to pull away from the
teeth. If periodontal disease is left untreated,
deep pockets form between the gums and the teeth and
the tissue of the underlying jawbone is also
destroyed. The destruction of bone tissue causes
the teeth to shift, wobble or completely detach from
the bone.
Coronary heart
disease occurs when the walls of the coronary
arteries become progressively thicker due to the
buildup of fatty proteins. The heart then suffers
from a lack of oxygen and must labor significantly
harder to pump blood to the rest of the body.
Coronary heart disease sufferers sometimes
experience blood clots which obstruct normal blood
flow and reduce the amount of vital nutrients and
oxygen the heart needs to function properly. This
phenomenon often leads to heart attacks.
Reasons for the Connection
There is little
doubt that the presence of periodontal disease can
exacerbate existing heart conditions. The
periodontist and cardiologist generally work as a
team in order to treat individuals experiencing both
conditions.
There are several
theories which may explain the link between heart
disease, stroke and periodontal disease, which
include the following:
-
Oral bacteria affect
the heart –
There are many different strains of
periodontal bacteria. Researchers assert
that some of these strains of bacteria enter
the bloodstream and attach to the fatty
plaques in the heart blood vessels (coronary
arteries). This attachment then contributes
to clot formation causing grave danger to
the individual.
-
Inflammation
– Periodontal disease causes severe
inflammation in the gum tissue which
elevates the white blood cell count and also
the high sensitivity C-reactive protein
levels. Research studies have shown that
elevated levels of C-reactive proteins have
been linked to heart disease.
-
Infectious
susceptibility
– Individuals who experience particularly
high levels of oral bacteria may have weaker
immune systems and an inadequate host
inflammatory response. These factors may
induce specific vascular effects which have
previously been shown to contribute in the
onset of certain forms of heart disease.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Since periodontal
disease appears to be a risk factor for both heart
attack and stroke, it is extremely important to seek
immediate treatment. Initially, the periodontist
will conduct thorough examinations to assess the
exact condition of the teeth, gums and jawbone.
X-rays can be helpful in determining whether bone
loss is prevalent in the upper and lower jaw.
The dentist is
able to conduct deep cleaning treatments such as
scaling and root planing to remove hardened calculus
(tartar) deposits from the gum pockets. An
antibiotic may be prescribed to ensure that the
bacterium is completely destroyed and the
periodontal infection does not spread. In most
cases, periodontal disease can be prevented with
regular cleanings and proper home care.
If you have
questions or concerns about periodontal disease and
its relation to heart disease and stroke, please ask
your dentist.
