Atherosclerosis – Tooth Loss Linked To Heart Disease

According to a new study published in the August issue of Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association, it is suggested that tooth loss due to gum disease is a marker for plaque build-up in the arteries, or atherosclerosis.

According to a new study published in the August issue of Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association, it is suggested that tooth loss due to gum disease is a marker for plaque build-up in the arteries, or atherosclerosis.In a study of 711 people, those with missing teeth had more plaque in their arteries. The amount of plaque increased with the number of missing teeth. Among those with nine or fewer missing teeth, 45 percent had carotid artery plaque. About 60 percent of those with 10 or more missing teeth had plaque buildup in the arteries. The link was more significant among those older than age 65. Lead researcher Moise Desvarieux, MD, PhD stated that tooth loss likely indicates chronic infection or inflammation in the gums and may also indicate inflammation of the arteries, which may lead to atherosclerosis.According to Desvarieux, the artery-damaging effects of gum disease may level off at some point. But the effects may not be reversible without treatment.(Source: M.S.W.: ZoeMed: Cardiac Life Centre: 4th August 2003)