Treating gum disease may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseaseJanuary 05, 2006The Journal of Dental Research has just published the results of a study showing that treatment of gum disease may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers from Australia (Sydney Dental Hospital and Royal North Shore Hospital) and Norway (University of Oslo) collaborated in the PERICAR clinical trial, providing strong evidence linking periodontal (gum) disease to an increased risk of developing blood clots, which could lead to the onset of heart attack and stroke. In recent years, many studies throughout the world have linked periodontal disease to increased cardiovascular risk, although the reasons for this link have not been fully explained, nor has it been proven that the link is a direct causal one. One explanation is that inflammation and infection have also been related to increased atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk. Periodontal disease is the most common chronic infection in humans, and symptoms include bleeding, swollen or receding gums, and bad breath. In severe cases, the teeth become loose and may eventually fall out. Individual participants who were involved in the trial had blood tests before and after treatment of gum disease that was so severe that all their teeth had to be extracted. The blood tests were for blood-clot risk factors and signs of inflammation. The average level of factors fell when the gum infection was eradicated, suggesting that the risk of heart attacks and clots in the future had reduced. This also indicates that inflammation in the mouth has a measurable effect in the bloodstream, and therefore the rest of the body. Although these results are exciting they do not yet provide proof of a direct link and more research is needed. With grants from the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia and the Ramaciotti Foundation, the researchers are currently studying the relationship between gum and heart disease in people with less severe periodontal disease who do not need to have all their teeth extracted. Dental disease impacts on people's general health and well-being. Periodontal disease is common, preventable, and treatable. This study suggests that improving periodontal health could significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The Journal of Dental Research is the flagship publication of the International and American Associations for Dental Research (www.dentalresearch.org) and is the top dental journal in the world. International & American Association for Dental Research |
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| Related Gum Disease Current Events and Gum Disease News Articles Prevent periodontitis to reduce the risk of head and neck cancer Chronic periodontitis, a form of gum disease, is an independent risk factor for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. This suggests the need for increased efforts to prevent and treat periodontitis as a possible means to reduce the risk of this form of cancer. AADR releases its statement on oral health care within health care reform On July 14, the American Association for Dental Research released its policy statement titled "Oral Health Care within Health Care Reform," which focuses on the scientific base of oral health and its associations to other aspects of health. Dry Mouth Linked to Prescription and Over the Counter Drugs Approximately ninety-one percent of dentists say patients complaining about dry mouth are taking multiple medications, according to a nationwide member survey conducted by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Oral/Body Inflammatory Connection Explained Is your head where your heart is? It may be now. A strong connection between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been suggested in recent clinical studies. Diets bad for the teeth are also bad for the body Dental disease may be a wake-up call that your diet is harming your body. Newly discovered reactions from an old drug may lead to new antibiotics A mineral found at health food stores could be the key to developing a new line of antibiotics for bacteria that commonly cause diarrhea, tooth decay and, in some severe cases, death. Treating gum disease helps rheumatoid arthritis sufferers People, who suffer from gum disease and also have a severe form of rheumatoid arthritis, reduced their arthritic pain, number of swollen joints and the degree of morning stiffness when they cured their dental problems. A healthy color About 80 percent of adults suffer from some form of periodontal, or gum disease, which can result in not just tooth loss, but has also been linked to heart disease, diabetes, blood infection, low birth-weight babies, cancer and most recently, obesity. Resolvins have the potential to resolve periodontal inflammation and restore tissue health Periodontal (gum) disease is a chronic inflammation initiated by bacteria that affect the gums and bone supporting the teeth, and may eventually result in tissue and tooth loss. Study finds new evidence of periodontal disease leading to gestational diabetes A new study by NYU dental researchers has uncovered evidence that pregnant women with periodontal (gum) disease face an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes even if they don't smoke or drink, a finding that underscores how important it is for all expectant mothers - even those without other risk factors - to maintain good oral health. More Gum Disease Current Events and Gum Disease News Articles |
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