So what is the link between these two different conditions?
According to one study published in the journal Circulation, higher levels of the bacteria that cause periodontal disease are associated with thicker carotid arteries in older adults. This thickening of the arteries often sets the stage for a heart attack or stroke.
Another study published in the Journal of Periodontology showed that cardiac patients had periodontal disease more often than did non-cardiac patients. According to the study, periodontal disease appears to worsen the severity of coronary artery disease, which occurs when the arteries become hardened and narrowed, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Why does periodontal disease have such a profound effect on the health of your heart? Some researchers believe that bacteria from the periodontal infection may enter the bloodstream and attach to fatty proteins in your arteries. This causes the artery walls to thicken and may lead to blood clots. As these clots obstruct the flow of blood, they can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Periodontal infections may also raise the numbers of inflammation-fighting agents in your blood. This may increase the build-up of fatty proteins in your arteries as well, causing them to swell.
If you have any questions about periodontal disease, we'd be happy to talk with you about it. Just give us a call or ask at your next appointment. Also, you might find the following website useful: