Periodontal Care May Lead To Faster Recovery After Heart Attacks

It has long been discussed about the potential links between gum disease and cardiovascular health. Although no research has definitively proven the relationship, researchers have regularly found that patients who experience heart complications more often have struggled with periodontal disease than those who have not. Doctors and dental professionals are frequently performing studies that can reinforce this theory, and new research may have discovered a possible connection regarding gum disease and recovery from heart attacks.

New research finds a connection between heart attacks and periodontal care

As discovered recently by the University of Michigan, it is possible that patients treated for periodontal care may see faster recovery following a heart attack. The study found that patients who had periodontal care and a heart attack had shorter hospital stays than groups that had heart attacks and no periodontal care. This study adds additional weight to the theory that oral health is directly connected to cardiovascular health.

The importance of findings such as these is in how we consider traditional healthcare in relation to currently independent practices such as dental care. According to Dr. Romesh Nalliah, D.D.S., M.H.C.M., associate dean for patient services at the U-M School of Dentistry,

"Dentistry is often practiced in isolation from overall health care. Our results add weight to the evidence that medical and dental health are closely interrelated. More and more studies like ours are showing that it is a mistake to practice medicine without the thoughtful consideration of the patient’s oral health."

As more research helps to inform medical professionals of how each of these seemingly unrelated practices are connected, Nalliah comments that there may be further reaching ramifications, such as how insurance companies package their offerings.

The research, published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, is not definitive, however. As Harvard health publishing points out, “many people with heart disease have healthy gums, and not everyone with gum disease develops heart problems.”

Other habits connected to gum disease and heart complications, such as smoking or poor diet, can be a contributing factor to both of these issues.

How gum disease may impact cardiovascular health

Gum Disease starts when the bacteria film called plaque, made of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances, builds up on the teeth and around the gums. This plaque can enter the bloodstream and may create clots (known as atherosclerosis) which can lead to heart disease  and coronary artery disease. According to studies, individuals who suffer from gum disease are two to three times more likely to have a heart attack or other cardiovascular health complications as a result of plaque buildup.

Symptoms of gum disease

Preventative care is the best way to avoid heart health issues related to gum disease. Keeping an eye out for the symptoms, and regular dental appointments, can help provide early detection which can help protect your cardiovascular health. Symptoms of gum disease include:

• Swollen gums
• Bleeding Gums
• Increased Tooth Sensitivity
• Receding gums
• Consistent bad breath

Protect Heart Health With Periodontal Care

Dental365 offers convenient locations across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Check up on your dental health with periodontal care for your teeth. Our team of periodontal specialists can help to identify some of the symptoms that lead to periodontal disease before it becomes a major issue. Call our offices at 844.365.DENTAL