Heart Disease Linked to Gum Disease

A study of German subjects has revealed a strong association between heart disease and gum disease. The research was conducted by scientists at the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine (UB, NY, USA).

The researchers found periodontal disease bacteria in samples of fatty plaque removed from the carotid arteries of 106 German subjects, of the same type as those previously found in carotid plaque in a earlier study of US subjects. A number of different bacteria were identified in the carotid samples, supporting the hypothesis that the number of infections an individual experiences is related to the risk for developing atherosclerotic plaques. Nearly all of the plaque samples showed moderate-to-high levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation associated with both bacterial infection and atherosclerosis.

"Did these bacterial cause the plaque to develop, or did the bacteria just get trapped in the fatty deposits already forming? We don't know yet,” said Joseph Zambon, D.D.S., Ph.D., professor of periodontics in the dental school and author of this study. "But the finding does support the idea that there may be many organisms involved in atheromas.”

The UB researchers are involved in a US$7.3 million program funded by the US National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research to plan and conduct a pilot study for a clinical trial of the impact of periodontal disease treatment on the prevention of second heart attacks.