Periodontitis or gum disease is a serious infection of the soft tissues around the teeth. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to bone destruction and eventually tooth loss.
Bacteria in plaque or tartar can trigger an inflammatory response, which gradually erodes soft tissues and bones, causing gum disease.
In the early stages of the disease, called gingivitis, the gums swell and become red and may bleed. Without treatment, the gums may begin to recede from the teeth, bone loss may occur, and the teeth may loosen or fall out.
Dentists recommend using soft toothbrushes twice a day and flossing once a day to prevent plaque buildup and reduce the chance of gum disease.
They also recommend scaling and debridement twice a year, which is the only way to remove plaque that has accumulated under the gums.
The incidence of gum disease increases with age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 47.2% of people in the United States who are at least 30 years old suffer from gum disease to some extent. Among people over 65, this number rises to 70.1%.
There is a clear link between gum disease and many diseases that involve inflammation, including Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, respiratory disease, and heart disease.
However, scientists have found that proving that there is a direct causal relationship between gum disease and these diseases is challenging because they have several common risk factors, such as smoking.
A new study led by researchers from two Massachusetts institutions, the Harvard Dental School in Boston and the Forsyth Institute in Cambridge, provides evidence that gum disease can indeed put people on the path to major cardiovascular events, such as strokes. And heart attack.
Senior research author Dr. Thomas Van Dyke said: “If you are at the age of cardiovascular disease or are known to have cardiovascular disease, ignoring periodontal disease may actually be dangerous and may increase the heart rate. The risk of an attack.” At the Forsyth Institute.
In their study, the research team reviewed PET and CT scans of 304 patients to look for signs of inflammation related to gum disease and arterial inflammation.
Scans have been used for other purposes, mainly during cancer screening. During the follow-up scan, about 4 years later, 13 people experienced a major cardiovascular event.
The researchers found that people who showed signs of inflammation associated with active gum disease at the beginning of the study were significantly more likely to have a cardiovascular event.
People with inflamed gums are also more likely to get inflammation in the arteries, which can continue to cause cardiovascular disease.
Crucially, even if scientists have considered other factors related to gum disease and heart disease, including age, gender, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and dyslipidemia or abnormal blood fat levels, these associations are still statistically significant. . .
The study found that individuals with previous signs of gum disease causing bone loss but no persistent inflammation did not have an increased risk of heart disease.
Dr. Van Dyke said: “This is definitely related to people currently suffering from active inflammation.”
He admits that the sample size is relatively small, so scientists will need to conduct larger studies to confirm the findings.
The authors speculate that local inflammation associated with gum disease activates and mobilizes immune cells in the bone marrow. These cells then trigger inflammation of the arteries.
A previous study on animals reported by Medical News Today found that gum disease stimulates immune cells called neutrophils in the bone marrow, and then they overreact when they encounter signs of infection in other parts of the body.
The authors of this study hope that larger studies will confirm their findings. They also hope that researchers can study whether treating gum disease can reduce arterial inflammation, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Healthy potassium levels support kidney function, moderate blood pressure, bone strength and muscle mass. Here, understand how much is correct and where…
In some cases, such as after exercising or standing up too quickly, high blood pressure and high pulse may be a normal response. learn…
A variety of factors can cause or cause triglyceride levels to be higher than normal. Healthy eating habits, increased exercise or medication may…
Fixers are used to help maintain the shape of teeth and gums, which are part of orthodontic work. However, it is important to clean them because…
Statins are usually an effective way to treat high cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of statins here.
Post time: Mar-12-2021
