Periodontal Disease and Heart Disease

Infective endocarditis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the interior lining of the heart and the heart valves, generally caused by baterial infection.  Heart valves that have been damaged or are abnormal are at highest risk for infective endocarditis, but infection can also occur in normal valves when a large number of bacteria are present.  Researchers believe that when an individual is diagnosed with peridontal disease, a normal task such as chewing or brushing can injure gum tissue, allowing bacteria to enter the bloodstream.  The accumulation of these bacteria on heart valves often leads to a fatal infection unless treated.

Coronary artery disease is another type of cardiovascular disease in which the walls of the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels) gradually thicken due to the build-up of fatty proteins.  Often blood clots form in these narrowed coronary arteries and normal blood flow activity is obstructed, depleting the heart of the nutrients and oxygen needed to function properly.  Scientists now believe that bacteria found in the oral cavity enter the bloodstream, attach to fatty plagues and may contribute to clot formation.  Researchers have found that people suffering from periodontal disease are twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease than those without periodontal disease.  Current data leads scientists to believe that periodontal disease is an important risk factor for heart disease, working concert with other risk factors such as age, smoking, diabetes, hypertension and elevated blood cholesterol.

Additionally, in recent study that looked at the causal relationship of oral infection as a risk factor for stroke, people diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia were found more likely to have an oral infection compared to those in control group.

The American Heart Association estimates approximately 58 million Americans, 1 in 5 suffer from cardiovascular disease, making it the number one cause of death in the U.S.

Do your heart a favor, and call the dental office of Dr. Emery & Scuro DMD, PC, located in the middle of Rochester, in Gates/Chili area.  At our office you will receive a comprehensive exam of all your teeth and gums.  We treat all levels of gum disease with different procedures to meet your specific needs.  We are one of two offices in Monroe county that offer LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Protocol), this procedure replaces traditional gum surgery, with a no cut, no sew, no fear procdure to treat gum infections with laser. Call us today at 585-247-7110.