Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

University of Florida Study Links Gum Disease and Heart Disease

Saturday, June 14, 2014

I went to dental school at the University of Florida (even though I'm a Seminole at heart). A new study from the University of Florida shows that the same bacteria that cause gum disease also promotes heart disease - a discovery that could change the way heart disease is diagnosed and treated.

Irina M. Velsko, a graduate student in the UF College of Medicine presented the data, saying "We report evidence that introduction of oral bacteria into the bloodstream in mice increased risk factors for atherosclerotic heart disease. Our hope is that the American Heart Association will acknowledge causal links between oral disease and increased heart disease. That will change how physicians diagnose and treat heart disease patients."

Almost half of all adults have some form of gum disease and heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US. Hopefully this study will help end the separation between oral health and systemic health - after all the mouth is the gateway to the body!

Gum disease is caused by bacteria and can be prevented, or if gum disease exists, it can be treated.

Keep your heart healthy - eat right, exercise regularly and, easiest of all, visit your dental hygienist every six months for a thorough cleaning and examination.

Let us help you get your gum health back on track - contact us today at 561-394-9000 to schedule your appointment.

Labels: dental hygiene, gum disease