Gum disease associated with heart disease

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Gum disease associated with heart disease

 

(Links below)

From the CDA (California Dental Association) - Summary:

Studies have shown that those with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease (heart disease) than those without. Over 2 million heart attacks and strokes occur each year in the US. Heart disease kills about the same number of people each year as cancer, accidents, and lower respiratory diseases combined.

With gum disease, we have bacteria under our gums in contact with our soft tissues and bone. The bacterial byproducts and our immune system's response cause pain, bone loss, gum loss, bleeding, swelling, bad breath, cavities on the roots of our teeth, and can ultimately result in tooth loss. The bacteria can get into our blood stream via access to vessels in our bone, in our teeth, and on the bottom of our teeth deep in the bone.

So keep up with your oral hygiene to prevent not only cavities, gum disease, and lost teeth, but heart disease as well.

Side note: Studies have also shown an association with gum disease and pre-term low birth weight.

 

http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:4xEMxoP8Io0J:www.cda.org/library/press/Heart_Health.pdf+&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

 

pdf form: http://www.cda.org/library/press/Heart_Health.pdf