Gum Disease Treatment Slows Thickening of Arteries: Study
A groundbreaking study has shed new light on the link between gum disease and cardiovascular health. Researchers at the University of Bristol have found that treating periodontitis, a severe gum infection, may slow down the thickening of inner layers of carotid arteries over time in otherwise healthy people.
The study, published in the European Heart Journal, analyzed the medical records of 135 people in the UK who were diagnosed with periodontitis. The researchers found that patients who were treated for the gum infection had better blood vessel function and lower levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in their blood.
The study’s findings are significant because they suggest that treating gum disease may be a crucial step in preventing the development of cardiovascular disease. According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally, accounting for more than 17.9 million deaths per year.
Periodontitis is a common condition that affects over 50% of adults worldwide. It is characterized by the inflammation and infection of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to the destruction of the jawbone and tooth loss.
Previous studies have established a link between periodontitis and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the exact mechanisms underlying this association are not fully understood. The new study provides valuable insights into the relationship between gum disease and cardiovascular health.
The researchers used a combination of clinical and laboratory tests to assess the patients’ gum health and cardiovascular risk factors. They found that patients with periodontitis had thicker carotid arteries, which are a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The carotid arteries are the blood vessels in the neck that supply blood to the brain.
After treating the patients for periodontitis, the researchers observed a significant improvement in their blood vessel function. The patients’ carotid arteries also showed a reduction in thickness, indicating a slower rate of thickening.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Toby Tree, emphasized the importance of addressing gum disease in patients with cardiovascular risk factors. “This study highlights the need for healthcare professionals to consider periodontitis as a potential cardiovascular risk factor,” Dr. Tree said in a statement. “Treating periodontitis may be an important step in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.”
The researchers used a range of techniques to assess the patients’ gum health, including clinical examinations, radiographs, and laboratory tests. They also collected blood samples to measure levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers.
The study’s findings have significant implications for public health policy. The World Health Organization estimates that over 3.2 billion people worldwide are affected by periodontal disease. The study’s results suggest that addressing gum disease may be a crucial step in preventing the development of cardiovascular disease.
While the study’s findings are promising, further research is needed to confirm the results and establish the optimal treatment approach for patients with periodontitis. The researchers are planning to conduct a follow-up study to investigate the long-term effects of periodontitis treatment on cardiovascular health.
In conclusion, the study’s findings provide new insights into the relationship between gum disease and cardiovascular health. Treating periodontitis may be a crucial step in preventing the development of cardiovascular disease, and healthcare professionals should consider periodontitis as a potential cardiovascular risk factor.
Source:
Tree, T. J., et al. “Periodontitis treatment and carotid artery intima-media thickness: a randomized controlled trial.” European Heart Journal (2022). doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehaf555
https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/advance-article/doi/10.1093/eurheartj/ehaf555/8237946
