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CVD and Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease affects the gums, connective tissue and jaw bone. The most common cause of gum disease is inadequate oral hygiene. Periodontal diseases, especially advanced forms, have been linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD).

  1. Types

    • Also called gum disease, periodontal disease has four types: Gingivitis is the earliest stage. It progresses to early periodontitis, which can in turn progress to moderate periodontitis. The last type is advanced periodontitis.

    Significance

    • According to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), "...people diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia [stroke] were found more likely to have an oral infection when compared to those in the control group."

    Coronary Artery Disease

    • According to the AAP, "Coronary artery disease is characterized by a thickening of the walls of the coronary arteries...People with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without...."

    Relationship

    • Moïse Desvarieux, M. D., Ph. D., of Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health and the University of Minnesota, was the lead author of a study that found a relationship between oral bacteria and thickened carotid arteries. Thickened carotid arteries increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

    Prevention

    • Preventing periodontal disease decreases susceptibility to cardiovascular disease. Flossing once and brushing at least twice daily are the minimum hygiene recommendations. Semiannual dental cleanings and periodontitis screenings also decrease your risk of periodontitis.

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