There has been a great deal of discussion in recent years about the link between gum disease and heart disease. Now, researchers have found the culprit responsible for this link. The bacterium known as “Porphyromonas gingivalis” is well known to dentists and periodontists for causing the development of “periodontitis,” the serious form of gum infection that damages soft tissues surrounding the teeth and attacks underlying bone. Teeth are often lost as a result. Researchers recently found that P. gingivalis also changes the code of the genes in proteins responsible for boosting inflammation and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) in coronary arteries. This finding gives everyone more reason to conscientiously brush, floss, and guard against gum disease.
Periodontal disease is often silent, meaning symptoms may not appear until an advanced stage of the disease. If you need answers to a dental problem, remember that at West Brookfield Dental, we’re committed to your best interests. Please call 508.867.2777 to schedule your next appointment. We’re located at 9 West Main St., West Brookfield.
P.S. Studies previous to the one mentioned above found Porphyromonas gingivalis in the coronary artery plaques (cholesterol combined with fatty substances, cellular waste products, calcium, and fibrin) of heart-attack patients.
