A relationship between gum disease and heart health has been studied for over a century. Most doctors and dentists have validated the concept of oral-systemic health, particularly focusing on the gums as a gateway to heart disease. The American Heart Association (AHA) has gone on record in refuting the theory that periodontal disease (gum disease) is a direct cause of heart issues, however. Is oral-systemic health a real thing or not?
AHA Believes Hear Disease and Gum Disease Are Completely Separate
In their statement in the journal Circulation, the AHA says they see no evidence of a link between oral health and cardiovascular disease. Dr. Peter Lockhart, professor and chair of oral medicine at the Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C., points out that making a strong connection to healthy gums and a healthy heart can send the wrong message. A shift in focus from preventative measures that are more obviously related to a healthy heart is a concern, according to the AHA. For example, a healthy diet and regular exercise are likely to have more impact in preventing heart attacks and strokes than brushing and flossing your teeth.
Where Did the Connection Begin?
Because gum disease and cardiovascular disease produce similar inflammation signs, such as C-reactive protein, the connection has been studied at length by medical professionals. The AHA points out that the risk factors – age, diabetes, smoking status – are the same in both diseases, and believes that is why they are so often linked.
No Cause and Effect Between Gums and Heart, Says AHA
The AHA reviewed 500 different studies about gum disease and heart disease, and found no causative link. Dr. Lockhart is not completely ruling out the idea that gum disease could be connected to heart disease in some way, but says a much larger, longer study is necessary for proof. In the meantime, the AHA stands by the hypothesis that the real link between heart disease and gum disease is that people who don’t take care of themselves will have multiple conditions and diseases.
ABOUT YOUR VERNON HILLS DENTIST:
Dr. Brent Engelberg and his highly-skilled team proudly serve patients and their families from Arlington Heights, IL, and all surrounding communities, including; Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, and the Northern and Northwest Chicago Suburbs. To learn more, schedule a consultation online, or call our office today at 847-259-8030.
Leave a Reply