A study in the United States revealed an important discovery regarding the relationship between periodontal disease and mortality.
The study showed that people with periodontitis, an inflammatory disease that affects the periodontium, have a 25% risk of having coronary heart disease as compared to those who have no or minimal periodontal disease.
Age is one of the factors that contribute to the onset of periodontal disease. Men aged 50 years and above are more susceptible to acquire the disease. Moreover, the study also showed that men who have periodontitis have a greater risk of getting coronary heart disease than those who have no periodontal disease.
The amount of dental debris or dental plaque as well as calculus or tartar, which is commonly found in the various forms of gum disease, also contributes to the risk of having coronary heart disease.
The study also revealed that severe periodontal disease increases the risk of early death as compared to the risk of having coronary heart disease. Meanwhile, subjects with gingivitis have an almost 23% higher risk of early death as compared to those who have periodontal disease. These findings are quite alarming because gingivitis is very common to most people. However, the fact is that both these gum diseases can shorten a person’s life expectancy.
Heart attack is the primary cause of death of most Americans and almost 80% of the population in the United States suffers from the various forms of gum disease. Based on the study, gum disease increases the risk of heart attack. However, with proper dental health care, gum disease can be prevented.
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