Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease which affects close to 75% of adult Americans.
A consensus paper was published in 2009 by the American Journal of Cardiology (a publication which reaches 30,000 cardiologists) and the Journal of Periodontology, the official journal of the American Academy of Periodontology. The paper discusses the scientific evidence linking periodontal (gum) disease and cardiovascular disease.
Clinical recommendations in the paper advise periodontists (dentists who specialize in treating gum disease) to inform their patients of the increased risk of cardiovascular disease associated with their gum disease. It also recommends that cardiologists (physicians specializing in treating diseases of the heart) evaluate their patients for the basic signs of gum disease such as tooth loss, visual inflammation and receding gums.
“Both periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease are inflammatory diseases, and inflammation is the common mechanism that connects them,” says Dr. David Cochran, DDS, PhD, President of the American Academy of Periodontology and Chair of the Department of Periodontics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. “The clinical recommendations included in the consensus paper will help periodontists and cardiologists control the inflammatory burden in the body as a result of gum disease or heart disease, thereby helping to reduce further disease progression, and ultimately to improve our patients’ overall health. That is our common goal.”
When you are seen in our office for your initial appointment and all recare appointments, we check your gums for signs of gum disease. We will give you our best recommendations for keeping your gums healthy. Healthy gums may lead to a healthier heart.
Janice Frederick, DDS
Mendota Dental Associates
720 Main Street, Suite 213
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
651-209-9219
www.MendotaFamilyDental.com
