The mouth is the window to the body. It is both an indicator of the body's overall health, and a potential starting point for inflammation of the gums (periodontal disease), which affects three out of four adults age 35 and over, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Several theories exist to explain the link vetween periodontal disease and heart disease. One theory is that oral bacteria can affect the heart when they enter the blood stream, attaching to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels) and contributing to clot formation. Coronary artery disease is characterized by a thickening of the walls of the coronary arteries due to the buildup of fatty proteins. Blood clots can obstruct normal blood flow, restricting the amount of nutrients and oxygen required for the heart to function properly. This may lead to heart attacks.

Another possibility is that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease increases plaque build up, which may contribute to swelling of the arteries.

Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease not only causes tooth loss-researchers have also linked it to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory problems, and premature birth. Conversely, researchers are making the connection that these diseases can make an individual more susceptible to periodontal disease.



In some cases, the first signs of systemic disease-diseases that affect the entire body-may be seen in the mouth. For example, periodontal disease that does not respond to traditional therapies could be an early indicator of diabetes. Pale gums could be a symptom of leukemia. Oral lesions often are an early sign of the HIV-virus infection.

Major research studies continue in an effort to learn more about the link between periodontal disease and other systemic diseases. Earlier this year, for example, researchers from the University of Minnesota and Columbia University reported that older adults who have higher proportions of four periodontal-disease-causing bacteria in their mouths also tend to have thicker carotid arteries-a strong predictor of stroke and heart attack.

In addition, researchers at the U of M and several other medical centers, led by the University's Bryan Michalowicz, are involved in a major study of more than 800 pregnant women with periodontal disease to find out if they are more likely to deliver preterm, low-birth weight babies. The researchers want to find out if treating expectant mothers¿ gum disease will reduce the incidence of premature births.

When your mouth and teeth are disease-free, your risks for developing other diseases throughout your life may be reduced. You can help prevent gum disease by brushing and flossing every day, limiting between-meal snacks and seeing your dentist and dental hygienist regularly. Good oral hygiene will keep bacteria in the mouth at relatively low levels, preventing the build-up that leads to disease.

Parts of this article were written by Larry Wolff, Ph.D., D.D.S.

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An extract from BITE Magazine, Issue 60, October 2010 reads:

LINK FOUND BETWEEN GUM DISEASE AND HEART DISEASE

Scientists in the UK believe they may have discovered an explanation behind the key link between gum disease and heart disease. Even though it has been accepted for some time that there appears to be a link between the two, its causes have remained unclear.

Scientists from the University of Bristol and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland now believe that it is bacterium-entering the bloodstream through sore gums and depositing a clot-forming protein, which can increase the risk of heart attacks. Research shows that once it enters the bloodstream, it creates a protein known as PadA, which causes the platelets in the blood to stick together and clot. The plateletes encase the bacteria, protecting it from both the immune system and antibiotics that might be used to try and treat the infection.

Unfortunately, as well as helping out the bacteria, platelet clumping can cause small blood clots, growth on the heart valves, or inflammation of blood vessels that can block the blood supply to the heart and brain. Chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter, said: "This research goes a long way to helping us understand the link between gum and heart disease."