Is there a link between dental health and heart disease?

Most people are aware of some of the risk factors for heart disease and stroke: family history, diet, obesity, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle (couch potato syndrome), aging or a pre-existing condition such as diabetes. But how many of us know that infected teeth and gums may pose an additional risk?

“It is well accepted by the health community that untreated chronic infection can compromise health,” said Dr. Doug Pettigrew, a Periodontist based in Edmonton. “Gum disease is no different. If you have pockets of infection around all of your teeth that is equivalent to having a 6" open wound on your skin. Your body is weakened from fighting the infection and at the same time, the bacteria and chemicals that enter your blood stream can, in turn, compromise your health.”

Studies have suggested that chemical mediators of inflammation released in untreated periodontal disease may result in changes in the inner lining of blood vessels including those leading to the heart that increase the risk of atherosclerosis and blood clots. Although there is no proof of direct cause-and-effect, there is evidence that periodontal disease appears to be moderately associated with coronary artery disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease.