Earlier this week I discussed that infections in the mouth can lead to other health problems. What does this mean for heart disease and stroke?
Diseased heart vessels have thicker walls because of the buildup of fatty proteins. Research says that when oral bacteria enter the blood stream, they attach to these fatty plaques in the arteries. This leads to swelling of the arteries and formation of clots. Clots block the flow of blood to the heart, which then restricts oxygen supply to the heart thereby increasing the risk of heart attacks.
People with gum disease are twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without gum disease. Gum disease was found in more people who had suffered a stroke than the control group that had not suffered a stroke.
Finally, periodontal bacteria can also complicate existing heart conditions such as heart murmurs by causing infection of the heart valves. Such pre-existing conditions require antibiotic prophylaxis prior to dental procedures. Your dentist and primary care doctor can advise you if you think you have concerns on this matter.
Thank you for reading. I encourage you to leave comments or questions below. To learn more about my practice, click Here
Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
Mar. 16, 2010
