GUM DISEASE LINKED TO NEW ONSET HEART DISEASE Gum disease is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease: the more severe the periodontitis, the higher the risk. The findings were presented at ESC Congress 2021. The association was particularly evident among patients who had experienced a heart attack in the past. Study author Dr. Giulia Ferrannini of the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden said: "Our study suggests that regular dental check-ups and education on proper dental hygiene may help to prevent first and subsequent heart events." The study previously showed that periodontitis (gum disease) was significantly more common in first-time heart attack patients compared to their healthy peers of the same age and sex and living in the same area. Participants with periodontitis at baseline had 49% higher odds of the primary endpoint compared to those with healthy gums. The probability of the primary endpoint rose with increasing severity of gum disease. When heart attack patients and healthy controls were assessed separately, the graded relationship between gum disease severity and the primary endpoint was significant only for patients. The researchers postulate that the damage of periodontal tissues in people with gum disease may facilitate the transfer of germs into the bloodstream. This could accelerate harmful changes to the blood vessels and/or enhance systemic inflammation that is harmful to the vessels. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 SM-CL1968450 GUM DISEASE LINKED TO NEW ONSET HEART DISEASE Gum disease is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease : the more severe the periodontitis , the higher the risk . The findings were presented at ESC Congress 2021. The association was particularly evident among patients who had experienced a heart attack in the past . Study author Dr. Giulia Ferrannini of the Karolinska Institute , Stockholm , Sweden said : " Our study suggests that regular dental check - ups and education on proper dental hygiene may help to prevent first and subsequent heart events . " The study previously showed that periodontitis ( gum disease ) was significantly more common in first - time heart attack patients compared to their healthy peers of the same age and sex and living in the same area . Participants with periodontitis at baseline had 49 % higher odds of the primary endpoint compared to those with healthy gums . The probability of the primary endpoint rose with increasing severity of gum disease . When heart attack patients and healthy controls were assessed separately , the graded relationship between gum disease severity and the primary endpoint was significant only for patients . The researchers postulate that the damage of periodontal tissues in people with gum disease may facilitate the transfer of germs into the bloodstream . This could accelerate harmful changes to the blood vessels and / or enhance systemic inflammation that is harmful to the vessels . Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave. , Suite 130 , Downers Grove , IL 60515 630-663-0554 SM - CL1968450