Gum Disease… latest info

May 3, 2015

Just one of the reasons we like you to visit the dental hygienist regularly…

This blog discusses the hot topic of the link between gum disease and heart disease. We have known for a long time that gum and heart disease is linked but this article, which was recently published in the British Dental Journal last month specifically shows that improving your gum health helps reduce the amount of unhealthy fatty plaque deposits in your arteries.

BDJ 216, 56 (2014)

Gum Maintenance slows Narrowing of the Arteries.
Taking care of your gums by brushing and flossing could help keep heart disease at bay. Researchers at Columbia University have shown for the first time that as gum health improves, progression of atherosclerosis slows to a clinically significant degree. Atherosclerosis is the narrowing of arteries through the build up of plaque (fatty deposits) and is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke and death.

Previous studies have shown that bacteria present in the mouth can enter the bloodstream via sore and inflammed gums and that gum disease has a role in some premature births.
There are also current studies linking gum disease and other systemic diseases such as osteoporosis, respiratory disease and some forms of cancer.

Our advice:- Your mouth is the gateway to your body so it makes sense that the healthier it is, the healthier your body will be.



« Return to blog page