Know The HEALTH FACTS ... Because WEALTH THRU PERSONAL HEALTH is a COMMITMENT... NOT A CHOICE!
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Periodontal disease is a very common condition among my diabetic patients. It has been shown that severe periodontitis can affect 0.5% to 1.0% of the adult population, with as many as 80% of adult population having some form of periodontal disease. It is therefore a must that care of our teeth and gums should start from the young especially with the recent finding of an association between teeth problem and the heart!
Several cohort and case-control studies have already shown that periodontitis is associated with endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Suggesting that inflammation of the gums can actually be a factor that can lead to long term damage to the heart as well. As a result… now we know why Flossing is important as part of our daily oral hygiene. By preventing gum and teeth problem, we can therefore reduce our risk for heart disease.
In a recent study published in March 1, 2007 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, this important showed that “At six months, those subjects who had intensive treatment of the periodontitis, which included flossing… was associated with reduced indexes of periodontal disease severity and significantly better endothelial function.” The improvement was associated with lower levels of infllammatory markers which are markers also known to be associated with higher risk of heart disease. It is important to note that endothelial function is a marker of how healthy one’s heart and vessels are. Any improvement in endothelial function means a good effect on the heart and the vessels.
As more information and studies have proven that heart disease is due to low grade inflammation… simple disease affecting the mouth which is easily preventable should therefore be addressed because low grade inflammation involving the gums and teeth can have a major impact in our risk for heart disease.
When was your last visit to your dentist?
So for Better Breath and Healthier Heart…
Make Sure You Floss… and Visit Your Dentist!
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That Health Rules 
March 3, 2007 at 2:17 pm
I had previously treated with periodontal disease due to being ignorant of proper oral hygiene, just a thought , will i already have a heart disease?
March 3, 2007 at 5:56 pm
Hi Mariz… good question. Frankly nobody knows but what is important, any form of inflammation in the body if not treated may result in triggering the onset of a heart disease especially if left untreated. These are preliminary studies Mariz to suggest that infllamtion like that involved with periodontal disease if left untreated may result in increased level of reactive proteins like CRP which if elevated are associated with heart disease.
The good news is… if you take good care of the problem like what you have done and continues to keep your teeth and gums healthy, then the risk should decrease significantly as what have been seen in the New England study.
Thanks for your interest in my website Mariz. Your Comments and questions keep me busy with the thought that indeed I am successful with my goal of reaching as many people as I can to spread what is good and healthy!
March 5, 2007 at 2:06 pm
Now I have to visit my dentist hehe