Treating gum disease may help the heart
Gum disease has long been linked to heart disease. New
research suggests that for people with both conditions, treating the gum
disease may lower their health care costs and the number of times they end up
in the hospital, reports the November 2014 Harvard
Heart Letter.
Gum disease begins when the sticky, bacteria-laden film
known as plaque builds up around your teeth. Daily tooth brushing and flossing
and regular cleanings by a dentist or hygienist can prevent and even reverse
gingivitis, the earliest form of gum disease (also called periodontal disease).
Left untreated, gingivitis can turn into gum disease. The gums pull back from
the root of the tooth, creating a tiny pocket that gradually widens.
Eventually, the infection and inflammation attack the tissue that holds the
tooth to the jawbone, which can cause the tooth to loosen and possibly fall
out.
A study in the American
Journal of Preventive Medicine reviewed the medical and dental records of
people who had gum disease in addition to cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular
disease (usually a stroke), or another chronic health problem. People who had
at least one periodontal disease treatment had lower medical costs and fewer
hospitalizations within four years of the treatment compared with people who
weren't treated. For cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, health care
costs were between 10% and 40% lower.
Treating gum disease reduces the body's burden of infection
and inflammation, which seems to help people re...
Source: New Harvard Health Information - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news
More News: Cardiology | Cardiovascular | Dentistry | Gingivitis | Harvard | Health | Health Management | Heart | Heart Disease | Hospitals | Stroke | Study