Link revealed between gum disease and more dangerous health condition

Gum disease could have more serious consequences than previously thought, as a new study has indicated that people who experienced the disease as children may be more susceptible to heart disease as adults.

Cardiovascular disease, which includes conditions such as heart attacks, strokes and high blood pressure, is a major killer and claims up to 1 million lives each year in the US alone. While it is in large part due to dietary and lifestyle choices, there are also risk factors that stem from childhood.

The recent study was carried out by researchers in Denmark. It took a sample of 500,000 people and considered 15 years of dental records and incidences of heart condition hospitalisations. While none of those surveyed had experienced any variation of heart disease in their infancy, tooth decay and gum disease in childhood was associated with nearly 45% of people experiencing heart disease in later life.

The precise nature of this trajectory is still unknown, but medical experts believe it is the result of bacteria spreading from the mouth to the rest of the body via infected roots or inflamed gum tissue. As a consequence, fat builds up within the arteries, posing a danger for hearts and also the risk of strokes.

While the researchers stressed that their data is observational rather than conclusive, their report will cause concern at a time when just under 50% of Americans, for instance, experience some variation of gum disease, such as gingivitis.

If you or your family require gum disease treatment in Chester, call your local advanced care team at Art of Dental Care now to set up an appointment.