Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

Chronic Gum Disease Linked to Atherosclerosis

Thursday, July 24, 2014

A recent study co-authored by Dr. Richard Darveau of the University of Washington has shown how the pathogen responsible for gum disease can evade the immune system and cause inflammation and damage in the heart. Atherosclerosis is the narrowing and hardening of the arteries in the heart.

"We had published earlier that this mechanism could be used by P. gingivalis to evade host detection, and this paper is the first to demonstrate it in an animal model of disease," said Dr. Darveau.

Evidence that the chronic inflammation caused by oral disease can be linked to the elevated risk of serious health problems including heart disease, diabetes and even certain cancers.

Protecting yourself from chronic inflammation caused by gum disease is pretty simple. Brush your teeth at least twice per day, floss once each day and visit your dental hygienist every six months (more often if you have gum disease).

Eating a healthy diet that includes lots of fresh fruit and vegetables will keep your entire body, including your gums, healthy! Add in some exercise and you have a recipe for reducing inflammation and maintaining better health.

If you want to find out more about good home care for optimum dental hygiene just ask your dental hygienist at your next appointment. Contact us today at 561-394-9000 to schedule your next visit.

Labels: dental hygiene, gum disease