What is periodontal disease?
Media spots
Heart disease
Maintaining your oral health
Education
Additional resources

What is periodontal disease?
Severe periodontal (gum) disease often leads to tooth loss, but recent scientific research suggests a link to a variety of common, non-oral health conditions, including heart disease. 

Our teeth are covered with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. Brushing after meals and snacks and flossing between teeth daily helps remove plaque. 

Plaque that is not removed may harden into calculus. When calculus accumulates either above or below the gumline, the gum tissue becomes irritated and inflamed. The early stage of periodontal (gum) disease is called gingivitis. Symptoms of periodontal disease include:

• Persistent bad breath

• Gums that bleed when teeth are brushed

• Red, swollen and tender gums

• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth

• Loose or separating teeth

• Pus between the gum and tooth

• A change in one’s bite

Periodontal diseases are serious bacterial infections that destroy the attachment fibers and supporting bone that hold your teeth in your mouth. When this happens, gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets that fill with plaque and even more infection. The more advanced the disease, the deeper the pockets. 

Media spots
View and listen to the WDA public awareness paid media spots on the gum disease-heart disease message. You must have the latest version of QuickTime to play these spots. Read download, viewing and listening instructions.

• TV spot | "The Workout"
• Radio spot | "The Connection"
• Radio spot | "Little Known Facts"

Heart disease
Some studies suggest the amount of bacteria in subgingival plaque might be associated with an increased risk for heart disease.

One study examined 150 individuals with periodontal diseases and found the total number of periodontal bacteria in subgingival plaque was higher in those who had suffered a heart attack.1

Also, DNA from different kinds of periodontal bacteria appeared in participants' heart arteries.3  

Finally, a research team discovered that 91 percent of patients with cardiovascular disease suffered from moderate to severe periodontitis, compared to 66 percent in non-cardiac patients.3

Continuing research seems to support the theory that bacteria found in the space between the gum and tooth (periodontal pocket) can enter the bloodstream through the inflamed gum tissue, potentially contributing to the development of other diseases.

• Test your dental health knowledge
  Visit www.wdahealthychoices.com and learn more about the gum disease/heart disease connection and take an online quiz to test your dental health knowledge.

Maintaining your oral health
Prevention is, and always will be, a cornerstone to good oral health. Preventing dental disease is more than a one-time event. It requires a comprehensive approach and should include, but not be limited to:

• Professional diagnosis by a dentist

• Regular dental examinations with X-rays

• Necessary restorative and periodontal treatment early in the development of dental disease

• Regular personal oral hygiene practices (Brush and floss daily!)

• Observance of a healthy lifestyle and dietary habits

• Consumption or application of appropriate fluoride supplements

• Appropriate placement of dental sealants

• Patient education

The WDA has developed a patient education brochure that outlines the potential link between periodontal disease and heart disease. Brochure material:

• Defines periodontal disease and its symptoms

• Discusses the possible link between gum disease and heart disease

• Provides tips for maintaining good oral health

Download a brochure order form. Completed forms can be sent to the WDA via mail (6737 W. Washington St., Suite 2360, West Allis, WI 53214) or fax (414-276-8431).

The following Web sites provide additional information on periodontal disease:

• American Academy of Periodontology
• American Dental Association

References

1. Fiehn, N., Larsen, T., Christiansen, N., Holmstrup, P. & Schoreder, T.V. (2005). Identification of periodontal pathogens in atherosclerotic vessels. Journal of Periodontology, 76, 731-736.

2. Dogan, B., Buduneli, E., Emingil, G., Atilla, G., Akilli, A., Antinheimo, J., Lakio, L. & Asikainen, S. (2005). Characteristics of periodontal microflora in acute myocardial infarction. Journal of Periodontology, 76, 740-748.

3. Geerts, S.O., Legrand, B., Charpentier, J., Albert, A. & Rompen, E.H. (2004). Further evidence of the association between periodontal conditions and coronary artery disease. Journal of Periodontology, 75, 1274-1280.