Is your reluctance to ‘fix your mouth’ attacking your heart?

The links between gum (periodontal) health and cardiovascular health have been under scrutiny by scientists for years. People suffering from periodontitis (gum disease) can be twice as likely to suffer from a heart attack.

There is growing evidence that chronic infections and the inflammatory chemicals from gum disease may be involved in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis – the plaques that block arteries and blood vessels, leading to heart attacks or strokes.

A fascinating new finding is that oral infections such as gum disease can cause your immune system to attack its own proteins, clogging your arteries. According to Professor G Seymore of the University of Otago Dunedin, “control of gum disease should be essential in reducing the risk of heart disease.

Now scientists have found that heart attack and gum disease share a genetic link as well.

On a personal note: As my dental clinic in Perth specialises in sedation and complex reconstructive, implant and surgical dentistry, my team and I have the pleasure of bringing patients suffering from advanced dental problems and often severe phobias back to oral health. We enjoy helping patients with advanced needs develop their oral health, their ability to eat, socialise and smile with confidence. We can take special satisfaction in knowing we’re probably helping save their life as well!

7 Comments on Dental disease a silent killer

  1. I am definitely bookmarking this page and sharing it with my friends.

    :)

  2. Very great website.
    The information here is very useful.

    I will refer it to my friends.

    Cheers

  3. interesting article. they are testing a dental gum vaccine i believe right now i read

  4. I think this post is brilliant. Nice write-up! you bring up an interesting topic. Seriously, the mouth is a breeding ground for disease, and the health of your mouth affects the rest of your body. Oral bacteria provoke inflammation which increases levels of white blood cells and a certain protein called C-reactive protein (CRP). This protein is found in the blood and linked to heart disease. diabetes, stroke, etc.

    - Tina

  5. Mary Johnson says:

    Very informative article!

    Check out my dentist in Goodlettsville and the information at Rivergate Dental Care

    http://www.rivergatedentalcare.com

  6. Oral hygiene shouldn’t be ignored as it could have an impact on one’s overall health. Having such left untreated may lead to heart diseases or diabetes so people should take it more seriously.

  7. Thanks for the information.. I really like your post..Its informative and dental health should not be neglected and one should always remember that prevention is better than cure..

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