A STUDY published in a recent issue of the Journal of Periodontology showed why people with periodontal (tooth and gum) diseases are at a significant risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). The study looked at 108 patients with CAD and a group of 62 people without CAD.
"The results of this study showed that periodontitis in cardiac patients was significantly more frequent than in non-cardiac patients." said Professor E.H. Rompen, Department of Periodontology - Dental Surgery, C.H.U. Liège, Belgium.
"We found that 91% of patients with cardiovascular disease suffered from moderate to severe periodontitis, while this proportion was 66% in the non-cardiac patients," concluded Professor Rompen.
The American Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) states that periodontal disease is considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease along with smoking, high cholesterol and hypertension.
Visit the dentist regularly
In this context, regular visits to a dentist helps early diagnosis of possible heart disaese and timely treatment.
Dentists also can help patients with a history of heart disease by examining them for any signs of oral pain, infection or inflammation.
According to the AGD, proper diagnosis and treatment of tooth and gum infections in some of these patients have led to a decrease in blood pressure medications and improved overall health.
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