Periodontitis prevention could decrease heart problems
American Heart Association statement features new data supporting association between periodontal disease and ASCVD.
The prevention and treatment of periodontitis could potentially decrease the incidence of cardiovascular disease, according to a statement published this week by the American Heart Association.
The statement, Periodontal Disease and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease, features new data supporting an association between periodontal disease and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The statement, published in the journal Circulation, updates the Association’s 2012 scientific statement.
ACSVD, the leading cause of death globally, is caused by buildup of arterial plaque – fatty deposits in the arteries – and refers to conditions that include coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral artery disease and aortic aneurysms.
“Your mouth and your heart are connected,” said Andrew H. Tran, M.D., M.P.H., M.S., FAHA, a paediatric cardiologist, director of the preventive cardiology programme at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, and 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.”
Highlights from the study include:
- “Numerous studies have found that periodontal disease is associated with an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, peripheral artery disease, chronic kidney disease and cardiac death. Although periodontal disease clearly contributes to chronic inflammation that is associated with ASCVD, a cause-and-effect relationship has not been confirmed.”
- “There is also no direct evidence that periodontal treatment will help prevent cardiovascular disease. However, treatments that reduce the lifetime exposure to inflammation appear to be beneficial to reducing the risk of developing ASCVD. The treatment and control of periodontal disease and associated inflammation may contribute to the prevention and improved management of ASCVD.”
- “More research, including long-term studies and randomized controlled trials, is needed to determine whether periodontal treatment can impact ASCVD progression and outcomes.”
- “In addition, 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 that can help reduce the prevalence and adverse outcomes of periodontal disease and ASCVD.”
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