Tooth-brushing 'cuts heart risk'

From: Roman Bystrianyk (rbystrianyk_at_gmail.com)
Date: 02/08/05 

Date: 7 Feb 2005 19:03:40 -0800

"Tooth-brushing 'cuts heart risk'", BBC News, February 8, 2005,
Link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4243893.stm

Brushing your teeth could reduce the risk of having a stroke or heart
attack, a study has suggested.

A team from Columbia University found people with gum disease were more
likely to suffer from atherosclerosis - a narrowing of blood vessels.

The condition can precede a stroke or heart attack.

The British Dental Association said the research, published in the
journal Circulation underlined the importance of looking after dental
health.

The Columbia researchers looked at levels of bacteria in the mouths of
657 people who had no history of stroke or myocardial infarction (heart
attack).

The researchers also measured the thickness of the subjects' carotid
artery, which carries blood from the heart to the brain, and which is
measured to identify atherosclerosis.

It was found that those people who had a higher level of the specific
bacteria that causes gum (periodontal) disease also had an increased
carotid artery thickness, even after taking other cardiovascular risk
factors into account.

The team also found that the link with atherosclerosis only existed for
the bacteria which was know to cause gum disease, and not other
bacteria found in the mouth.

'Stronger link'

The researchers said the explanation may be that this bacteria migrates
throughout the body via the bloodstream and stimulates the immune
system, causing inflammation that results in the clogging of arteries.

The link between poor dental health and poor vascular health has
suggested before.

But Dr Moïse Desvarieux, of Columbia University Medical Center's
Mailman School of Public Health, who led the study, said: "This is the
most direct evidence yet that gum disease may lead to stroke or
cardiovascular disease.

"And because gum infections are preventable and treatable, taking care
of your oral health could very well have a significant impact on your
cardiovascular health."

He added: "We will continue to study these participants to determine if
atherosclerosis continues over time and is definitely associated with
periodontal disease."

Judy O'Sullivan, medical spokesperson for the British Heart Foundation
said: "Inflammation may prove to be a key factor in the development of
coronary heart disease.

"However, it may be too simplistic to say that periodontal infection
alone is the issue of concern rather than inflammation in general, as
inflammation is often associated with other risk factors for coronary
heart disease, such as smoking, poor diet and low income."

She added: "We welcome studies which add evidence to this growing area
of research and we would encourage people to follow a healthy lifestyle
to reduce their risk of heart disease.

"This includes maintaining healthy teeth and gums as well as not
smoking, taking regular physical activity and enjoying a balanced
diet."

A spokesperson for the British Dental Association added: "A number of
studies in the past have suggested a link between gum disease and heart
disease and this research would seem to strengthen that link.

"It also underlines the importance of brushing twice a day with a
fluoride toothpaste to reduce the risk of gum disease and improve
overall dental health."

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