Intensive Gum Disease Treatment Linked to Reduced Heart Risk
Research from the University College London (UCL) indicates that treating severe gum disease could significantly lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes. A two-year study, published in the European Heart Journal, found that patients with periodontitis who received intensive dental treatment showed improvements in both cardiovascular health and oral conditions.
The study followed 135 adults at UCL’s Eastman Dental Institute, all diagnosed with periodontitis, a condition that can arise from factors like poor oral hygiene, smoking, and uncontrolled diabetes. Participants who underwent a comprehensive treatment plan, including full-mouth deep cleaning and regular follow-ups, exhibited slower thickening of the carotid artery compared to those who only received routine cleanings.
At the 12- and 24-month marks, the individuals receiving intensive care displayed less inflammation in their gums and a decrease in harmful bacteria entering their bloodstream. According to Dr. Marco Orlandi, co-author of the research, those who received the more aggressive treatment had a notable reduction of 0.02 millimeters in the thickening of their carotid arteries over the study period.
“This is a significant result, as even a 0.01-millimeter reduction corresponds to a 10% decrease in cardiovascular disease risk,” Orlandi stated. This suggests that the participants reduced their risk of cardiovascular issues by approximately 10% each year.
Doctors often monitor the thickness of the carotid artery wall as an early warning sign of potential cardiovascular problems. While this study did not track actual heart events, the observed artery changes alongside reduced gum inflammation imply that improved oral health may contribute to combating cardiovascular disease.
Professor John Deanfield, the study’s lead author and director of cardiovascular prevention at UCL, emphasized the importance of the findings. “This is among the most robust evidence to date that oral and cardiovascular health are interconnected,” he said. He believes that addressing periodontitis could emerge as a crucial strategy in preventing serious heart and brain events.
Periodontitis affects approximately 40% of adults globally, often leading to symptoms like bleeding, swelling, and, if left untreated, tooth loss. Dr. Catrise Austin, a cosmetic dentist based in New York City, underscored the link between gum health and overall cardiovascular well-being. “Your gums are part of your vascular system,” she explained. “If they’re inflamed and bleeding, your arteries feel it.”
Austin, who was not associated with the study, advocates for a collaborative approach between dental and medical professionals to better address the cardiovascular implications of gum disease. She recommends daily brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups to help mitigate inflammation that can affect more than just oral health.
The study was supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and the NIHR UCLH Biomedical Research Center, in collaboration with University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. This research adds to a growing body of evidence linking oral health to broader health outcomes.
Previous studies, including a large analysis of over 500,000 individuals in the U.K. Biobank, have also indicated that signs of gum disease correlate with increased risks of multiple chronic conditions, including diabetes and heart disease. Although earlier evidence was primarily correlational, this study provides more substantial proof that treating gum disease may help reduce heart attack and stroke risks.
In light of these findings, health professionals may need to consider patients’ gum health as a vital component of overall cardiovascular risk assessment.
