New Scientific Statement Links Gum Disease to Increased Cardiovascular Risk
TL;DR
Maintaining oral health provides a strategic advantage by reducing cardiovascular disease risk, potentially lowering healthcare costs and improving long-term wellness outcomes.
The American Heart Association's scientific statement details how gum disease bacteria enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation that damages blood vessels and increases heart disease risk.
Better oral hygiene and dental care access can reduce chronic inflammation, potentially decreasing cardiovascular disease burden and creating healthier communities worldwide.
Brushing your teeth three times daily correlates with nearly half the 10-year heart disease risk compared to brushing once or less.
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A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association presents growing evidence that gum disease is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events including heart attack, stroke, atrial fibrillation, heart failure and cardiometabolic health conditions. The statement, published in the Association's flagship journal Circulation, updates the Association's 2012 position with new data supporting an association between periodontal disease and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).
"Your mouth and your heart are connected," said Andrew H. Tran, M.D., M.P.H., M.S., FAHA, chair of the scientific statement writing group. "Gum disease and poor oral hygiene can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation that may damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease. Brushing, flossing and regular dental checkups aren't just about a healthy smile - they're an important part of protecting your heart."
Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting over 40% of U.S. adults over age 30. The earliest stage is gingivitis, which may progress to periodontitis where gums pull away from teeth, forming pockets that trap bacteria. Severe periodontitis involves extensive bone damage and often requires surgical intervention. The condition is more common in individuals with poor oral hygiene and cardiovascular disease risk factors such as high blood pressure, overweight or obesity, diabetes and smoking.
Although periodontal disease and ASCVD share common risk factors, emerging data indicates there is an independent association between the two conditions. Potential biological mechanisms include direct pathways such as bacteria in the blood and vascular infections, as well as indirect pathways involving chronic systemic inflammation. Numerous studies have found periodontal disease associated with increased risk of heart attack, stroke, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, peripheral artery disease, chronic kidney disease and cardiac death.
While a cause-and-effect relationship has not been confirmed, treatments that reduce lifetime exposure to inflammation appear beneficial for reducing ASCVD risk. The treatment and control of periodontal disease and associated inflammation may contribute to the prevention and improved management of ASCVD. People with cardiovascular disease risk factors may benefit from regular dental screenings and targeted periodontal care to address chronic inflammation. Previous studies have found more frequent tooth brushing associated with lower 10-year ASCVD risk and reduced inflammatory markers.
The statement emphasizes that more research, including long-term studies and randomized controlled trials, is needed to determine whether periodontal treatment can impact ASCVD progression and outcomes. Additionally, the role of socioeconomic status, access to dental care and other social factors that adversely affect health should be explored to develop targeted prevention and treatment strategies. The American Heart Association provides additional health information through resources like their Oral Health section and their Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts initiative.
Curated from NewMediaWire
