Clean Teeth Promote Heart Health
Clean Teeth Promote Heart Health The effects of oral health on systemic health have long been studied, and new research provides additional evidence that patients who receive regular dental care and follow recommended oral hygiene regimens reduce their risk
Clean Teeth Promote Heart Health
The effects of oral health on systemic health have long been studied, and new research provides additional evidence that patients who receive regular dental care and follow recommended oral hygiene regimens reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke. In two studies presented at November’s American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2011, researchers announced congruent findings: unhealthy oral flora is a predictor of heart attack and stroke. A Taiwanese study, authored by Emily (Zu-Yin) Chen, MD, cardiology fellow at the Veterans General Hospital in Taipei, Taiwan, and Hsin-Band Leu, MD, observed the health records of 100,000 subjects randomly selected from the Taiwan National Health Insurance database. The participants were then sorted into two groups. The first included 51,000 adults who received routine scaling (defined as occurring at least two times over 2 years). The second group was composed of 49,000 adults who had not received dental cleanings, but matched the gender and health conditions of the first group. All subjects showed no history of heart attack or stroke.
The researchers found that the group who attended routine recare appointments had a 24% lower risk of heart attack and a 13% lower risk of stroke compared to the untreated group. These statistics were compiled after a 7-year observation of all 100,000 subjects.
“Protection from heart disease and stroke was more pronounced in participants who received scaling at least once a year,” Chen stated, adding that clinical oral health care—namely scaling—reduces inflammation-causing bacterial growth that can lead to serious cardiovascular conditions.
Also presented at this year’s session was a study involving approximately 8,000 subjects that showed markers for periodontal disease might predict heart attack, stroke, and congestive heart failure. Led by Anders Holmlund, DDS, PhD, of the Center for Research and Development of the County Council of Gaumlvleborg, Sweden, and senior consultant: specialized dentistry, Swedish researchers found that subjects with periodontal diseases who had fewer than 21 teeth had a 69% increased risk of heart attack compared to the control group, while patients with a high number of deep periodontal pockets had a 53% increased risk of heart attack. Additionally, participants with a high incidence of gum bleeding had a 2.1% increased risk of stroke.
These studies highlight the importance of educating patients about oral health and its impact on overall health. In addition, they are significant because their results were presented at a medical conference rather than at a dental meeting, indicating increased awareness from the medical community of the oral/systemic link.
