Gum disease and cardio-vascular disease

Gum disease and Cardio-vascular disease (CVD) are often seen together, and have been mentioned in the scientific journals for quite some time.

The public has been educated by TV commercials to watch out for their Cholesterol and Triglycerides, Specifically the "bad" LDL because it affects their heart.

But do you know that high levels of LDL are observed in people with gum disease before they have any signs of heart disease?  

Gum disease is a low grade infection in the gums, which causes the body to produce a generalized inflammatory response elevating the C-reactive protein.

There is an elevated risk for heart disease in people who have a systemic inflammatory and imbue response.

A study done in West Virginia School of Medicine in 2007 concludes "this study suggests a relationship between dental health and inflammation and Cardio-vascular disease risk in both children and adults." 

The good news is that Dental disease is preventable, and treatable.

A new study from University of California Berkeley in 2010 suggests women who get dental care, reduce their risks of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular problems by at least one third.

So do your heart a favor, take good care of your teeth!

Submitted by Pedro P. Lense, D.M.D., a senior dentist with the Hernando County Health Department.