Periodontal (Gum) Disease Linked To Coronary Heart Disease

Research Results
More teeth are lost due to periodontal (gum) disease than through caries (tooth decay). Often patients are unaware of the onset of periodontal disease, which can be symptomless, and only seek treatment when the situation is out of control.

A study in the US has shown poor dental health as a major risk factor in coronary heart disease - a leading cause of death. The US study by Joshipura and colleagues found that there is an increased risk of coronary heart disease in men with fewer than 10 teeth in comparison with men with 25 or more teeth. Periodontal disease may be comparable to cigarette smoking, high cholesterol and high blood pressure as a risk factor for coronary heart disease.

The association between oral health and coronary heart disease has been linked to the infection involved in periodontal disease. Dr James Beck and colleagues have hypothesised that the association between periodontal disease severity and the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke may alse be due to an underlying inflam-matory response trait which places an individual at risk for developing both periodontal disease and atherosclerosis.

"Dental disease is associated with an increased risk of CHD, particularly in young men" concluded Dr Frank DeStephano and colleagues in a recent study which demonstrated that men under 50 had twice the risk of coronary heart disease compared to those over 50. Tooth decay, root abscesses, infection around the crown of the tooth, loss of teeth and supporting bone combined have shown positive relationships with coronary heart disease.

The challenge for dental researchers now is to find the causal pathway.

SOURCES: "Periodontal disease among New England elders", Fox CH et al. Journal of Periodontology, Vol.65 No.7, July 1994 pg676-684 "Association between dental health and acute myocardial infarction", Matilda KJ et al. British Medical Journal, Vol.298, March 1989 pg779-782 "Dental disease and risk of coronary heart disease and mortality" De Stephano F et al. British Medical Journal, Vol.506, March 1993 pg688-691 "Poor Old Health and Coronary Heart Disease" Joshipura KJ et al. Journal of Dental Research (In press) "Periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease" Beck JD et al. Journal of Periodontology, Vol.67, No.10, 1996 (Suppl) pg1123-1137