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You know the risk factors for heart disease: smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, not enough exercise and obesity. But here's one possibility that might surprise you: periodontal or gum disease.
"People normally think of periodontal or gum diseases in terms of their teeth and gums," said Dr. Robert J. Genco, professor of oral biology and microbiology, State University of New York at Buffalo. "But that thinking may have to be altered because gum disease is a serious infection that can release bacteria into the bloodstream and impact overall health."
Researchers spoke about the possible connection between gum disease and heart health at an American Medical Association and American Dental Association media briefing. They also discussed links between periodontal disease and other problems, including premature births and diabetes.
Genco explains that the level of evidence related to the relationship between periodontal disease and these systemic conditions varies. But such a relationship, he says, may offer hope for treating diabetes, heart disease, stroke, low birth weight and respiratory infections.
A healthy mouth may reduce the number of premature babies born and the resulting complications, according Dr. Steven Offenbacher, professor of periodontics at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry.
"Like other infections in a mother's body, the bacteria can set off an inflammatory reaction causing a preterm delivery," Offenbacher said.
Research also shows that diabetes can put you at risk for developing gum disease. Dr. Louis Rose, professor of surgery at Drexel University School of Medicine and clinical professor of periodontics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, called periodontal disease "the sixth complication of diabetes."
Rose stresses that physicians and dentists need to work together to ensure their diabetic patients maintain both their oral and physical health.
"Thanks to research, physicians are much more proactive when it comes to their diabetic patients and their oral health," he said. "I find that now, more than ever, they're calling and referring their patients to me when there's even the slightest indication of periodontal inflammation."
"With more education and awareness about the link between oral and systemic health, the more likely the overall health of the patient will benefit," Rose said.
Dr. Moise Desvarieux, assistant professor in the department of epidemiology at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health in New York, said further research is required to determine if there is a direct connection between periodontal disease and heart disease. Therefore, he said, patients should also manage other risk factors, like smoking, diabetes and excess weight.
Genco, Offenbacher, Rose and Desvarieux all spoke at the media briefing in New York City called "Oral and Systemic Health: Exploring the Connection." - NU
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