PatientFYI: Recent studies continue to suggest a relationship between gum disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD).  Given the considerable health burden associated with CVD, involvement of gum disease in the development of cardiovascular pathologies could have various implications.There is increasing evidence relating infection to hardening of the arteries and stroke events.  Recently, blood concentrations of a certain protein (a systemic maker of inflammation) were shown to predict the risk of a future heart attack or stroke.  Similarly, increased serum levels of this protein have been observed in periodontal patients.  Therefore, a chronic inflammatory burden of periodontal infection may directly contribute to cardiovascular disease, possibly mediated by inflammation including this protein.

What is the Evidence?  Bearing in mind this plausible biological explanation of a relationship between periodontitis and CVD, what evidence supports this association?  A number of studies have evaluated this association found an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) ranging from 20% to 100% associated with periodontitis.

Although future research is required to assess the relationship between periodontal disease, tooth loss and CVD, better oral self-care, regular professional cleanings and an emphasis on the retention of teeth are recommended.

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Tags: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Veneers, Dentist, Find a Dentist, Gum Disease, heart disease, Teeth Whitening, Veneers