Chicago – June 18, 1997 – The American Academy of Periodontology is concerned about new research linking gum diseases to a heart attack or stroke.
A recent study presented at the American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting suggests that the bacteria present in gum diseases may trigger blood clots which can contribute to a heart attack or stroke.
According to Dr. Timothy Rose, AAP President, this new study supports accumulating research that identifies gum disease as significantly increasing the risk for heart disease. The AAP believes emerging research in this area may establish periodontal disease as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal diseases, is one of the most common infections – often more prevalent than the common cold. Common signs of gum disease include bleeding gums or pus between the teeth. Left untreated, this chronic infection can destroy the bone that supports the teeth and may lead to tooth loss.
Further research in this area is currently underway and being funded by the National Institutes of Health.
The Academy urges people who are at-risk for cardiovascular disease or have signs of gum disease to consult with a dentist experienced with treating periodontal disease. Regular periodontal screenings and evaluations, treatment, and professional maintenance are critical to the long-term management of periodontal disease.
Release Date: June 18, 1997
NIH Funds Research to Explore
Gum Disease and Heart Disease Link
The National Institutes of Health recently approved a grant of $1.3 million to further study the link between periodontal (gum) diseases and cardiovascular disease. This funding will support the most comprehensive research to date to define the link between these two diseases.
According to the grant recipient, Dr. Robert Genco, Distinguished Professor and Chairman at State University of New York at Buffalo and Editor of the Journal of Periodontology, emerging research has identified infection and inflammation caused by periodontal disease as significantly increasing the risk for coronary heart disease.
Supporting one of Genco’s theories, a recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that men with high levels of a marker for inflammation are at an increased risk for a heart attack.
Genco will study the link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease over five years. The study includes 1,000 subjects of both men and women from Caucasian and African-American descent, along with 2,200 control subjects. All known risk factors for heart disease will be assessed: stress, hostility, diabetes, smoking, weight, high blood pressure, blood lipids, family history, diet, alcohol and physical activity.
Genco theorizes that inflammation caused by periodontal diseases contributes to plaque build-up in the arteries which creates greater risk of heart disease. The study will explore the association between these two diseases.
More than $250 billion is spent annually in direct and indirect costs related to cardiovascular disease.
Genco’s study coincides with another grant for $2.2 million in which collaborating researchers will also explore this link. “The emerging area of periodontal and systemic links is one that could have significant impact on public health,” Genco noted. “The findings may be life-saving for some of the nearly one million people who die annually from heart disease,” he suggests.
Previous studies demonstrated a link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease but were limited in size and/or scope, or did not fully control for all risk factors.
The Journal of Periodontology, the official publication of The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), publishes original papers of the highest scientific quality to support the practice, education, and research in the dental specialty of periodontology.
A referral to a periodontist in your area and free brochure samples including one titled Ask Your Periodontist About Periodontal Disease and Heart Disease are available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP’s Web site at www.perio.org.
About the AAP
The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the professional organization for
