Link between gum disease and heart disease

For years dentists have known diabetes, infection HIV, pregnancy, smoking, substance abuse, and certain medications all have been associated with an increased prevalence of periodontal disease. Recent studies have determined that there is a definite relationship between diseases of the oral cavity, especially periodontal infection (gum disease), and systemic diseases. Multiple studies in the last decade have found that as dental disease (especially gum disease) increases so does the incidence of heart disease.

There are several mechanisms that may link coronary artery disease and periodontal disease. The first is the bacterial thrombus hypothesis. Platelet aggregation can be caused by collagen and thrombin, as well as two microorganisms found in the oral cavity. Streptococcus sanguis and P gingivalis. Hertxberg (1) showed that these organisms have a collagen like molecule, the platelet-aggregation-associated protein, on their surface. When S sanguis is injected into rabbits, a heart attack series of events occurs.

Secondly, it was found that in patients with periodontal disease there was an increase in levels of C-reactive protein. It is thought that C-reactive protein will form deposits in injured blood vessals. It binds to cells that are partially damaged and fixes complement, which activates phagocytes, including neutrophils, which releases nitric oxide, which contributes to atheroma formation. Hense, it appears likely that periodontal infection is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease associated through bacteremia and inflammatory mediators, and possibly immunologic factors.

In additional to coronary artery disease it is known that periodontal disease (gum disease) predisposes or exacerbates diabetes, predisposes patients to lung infections, and pregnant women are more prone to have pre-term, low-birth weight infants.

Informed patients may choose to eliminate a possible risk factor (gum disease) through treatment or extraction of involved teeth.

John V. Reitz, D.D.S., F.A.G.D.
Signature Dental Care
30 Commerce Drive
Wyomissing, PA 19610
Phone: 610-320-9993
E-mail: reitzdds@ptd.net