The newest research suggests that tooth loss is now directly linked to cardiovascular disease.
Recent research shows that middle-aged adults who lost more than two teeth were at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. This study was at the Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health Scientific Sessions of the 2018 American Heart Association’s epidemiology conference.
The study was conducted on a group of middle-aged adults between the ages of 45 and 69 who had no previous history of any kind of cardiovascular disease at the start of the study. The study took 8 years and data on the effect of losing teeth over the 8 years was taken. The individuals involved in the study had to report to the researchers on any tooth loss and the natural teeth left remaining had to be documented for later analysis.
The results of the study showed a strong connection between cardiovascular disease and tooth loss.
The information gathered demonstrated that the sampled adults who lost more than two teeth were at a 23% risk of getting cardiopathy, compared to those who did not experience any tooth loss. No risk was reported for those who lost only a single tooth. However, those who had less than 17 of their natural teeth were found to be at the greatest danger of developing the heart disease at 25%.
Among all of the individuals who participated in the study, a 16% increase in the chances of developing heart disease was made among all of those who lost two or more teeth compared to those who lost none during the eight-year research time. Factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, low weight, wholesome diet, and exercise were not found to have an impact on these cases.
Poor oral health such as tooth loss and periodontal disease, bad habits, inflammation, and diabetes are all directly associated with cardiovascular conditions. This shows that dental problems play a major part in coronary heart disease. Patients are advised to take good care of themselves and their health. They should maintain their oral health in addition to stopping bad habits such as smoking, monitoring their cholesterol and blood sugar, and start eating healthier. Be sure to schedule your regular exams and cleanings with us, as well!
Doctors who provide general healthcare to patients should be focused on oral health and related dental issues, as it may be a sign of a more critical problem related to heart problems. Tooth loss or other variations in oral health may be an indication that there are major health concerns that may emerge.
