1/26/99
  • Gum Disease and Heart Disease

    Evidence suggests link between healthy gums and healthy heart WebPosted Fri Jan 22 21:40:20 1999 http://newsworld.cbc.ca/cgi-bin/go.pl?1999/01/22/floss990122

    There's growing evidence that advanced gum disease and heart disease may be connected. Researchers presented their findings at a major scientific meeting held this week in California.

    According to scientists, several studies have shown that people with gum disease have up to three times the risk of heart attacks and strokes. They speculate that the bacteria which cause gum infections enter the blood stream, releasing chemicals that damage and even block blood vessels. "I think for many people it's surprising. They don't tend to think of gum disease being connected with heart disease," said Dr. Howard Morrison and epidemiologist with Health Canada.

    Dr. Morrison has been studying the link. He says there's not enough evidence to prove conclusively that gum disease causes heart disease. But he doesn't think people should wait. "I think the evidence to date says that such people are at an increased risk of heart disease. It's worth treating gum disease regardless."

    Other research has also linked gum disease to diabetes, premature labour, and osteoporosis. All this has led some periodontists to warn patients to treat gum disease more seriously.

    But many heart specialists aren't convinced. "I think that's a little bit of an alarmist attitude," said Dr. Robert Myers a cardiologist at Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre in Toronto. "There's a huge chasm between looking at something theoretically and deciding it's of enough clinical benefit that you have to floss or die."

    Experts agree that much more research is needed before flossing becomes the doctor's, not just the dentist's, prescription for a healthy life. Source: "CBC Newsworld Online" at http://newsworld.cbc.ca ****************************************************
    Permission:
    Thanks for the request.
    You may post the story and provide links to Newsworld as you suggested in your note.
    Ken Wolff
    Executive Producer
    CBC News Online