Periodontal Disease, Heart Disease and Stroke
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 planning 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.
