CHICAGO—April 10, 2007—Two new studies in the Journal of Periodontology explore the possible link between periodontal bacteria and coronary artery disease as well as periodontal bacteria and preeclampsia. These studies found that periodontal bacteria, which is often invisible to the naked eye, may account for big effects on general health conditions.

Periodontal bacteria have often been thought to play a role in many of the possible connections between oral health and overall health. Two of the studies in this month’s issue of the JOP further the understanding of these potential connections. One study looked at patients who had been diagnosed with coronary artery disease and examined the bacteria found in their arteries. They were able to identify periodontal pathogens in the coronary and internal mammary arteries in 9 out of 15 of the patients examined.

A second study looked at women who had suffered from preeclampsia during their pregnancy, a condition characterized by an abrupt rise in blood pressure that affects about 5% of pregnancies. The study found that 50% of the placentas from women with preeclampsia were positive for one or more periodontal pathogens. This was compared to just 14.3% in the control group. Both of these studies support the concept that periodontal organisms might be associated with the development of other systemic conditions such as coronary artery disease and preeclampsia.

“These studies are just a few in the growing body of evidence on the mouth-body connection. More research is needed to fully understand how periodontal bacteria travels from the mouth to other parts of the body as well as the exact role it has in the development of these systemic diseases,” said Dr. Preston D. Miller, DDS, and AAP president. “In the meantime it is important for physicians, dental professionals and patients alike to monitor the research in this area as it continues to grow so they can better work together to achieve the highest levels of overall health.”

To find out if you are at risk for periodontal diseases please visit the AAP’s Web site and take a free risk assessment test. A referral to a periodontist in your area and free brochure samples including ones titled Periodontal Diseases: What You Need to Know and Ask Your Periodontist about Periodontal Disease and Heart Disease are available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP’s Web site at www.perio.org.

Chicago – June 18, 1997 – The American Academy of Periodontology is concerned about new research linking gum diseases to a heart attack or stroke.

A recent study presented at the American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting suggests that the bacteria present in gum diseases may trigger blood clots which can contribute to a heart attack or stroke.

According to Dr. Timothy Rose, AAP President, this new study supports accumulating research that identifies gum disease as significantly increasing the risk for heart disease. The AAP believes emerging research in this area may establish periodontal disease as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Gum disease, also known as periodontal diseases, is one of the most common infections – often more prevalent than the common cold. Common signs of gum disease include bleeding gums or pus between the teeth. Left untreated, this chronic infection can destroy the bone that supports the teeth and may lead to tooth loss.

Further research in this area is currently underway and being funded by the National Institutes of Health.

The Academy urges people who are at-risk for cardiovascular disease or have signs of gum disease to consult with a dentist experienced with treating periodontal disease. Regular periodontal screenings and evaluations, treatment, and professional maintenance are critical to the long-term management of periodontal disease.

Release Date: June 18, 1997

NIH Funds Research to Explore
Gum Disease and Heart Disease Link

The National Institutes of Health recently approved a grant of $1.3 million to further study the link between periodontal (gum) diseases and cardiovascular disease. This funding will support the most comprehensive research to date to define the link between these two diseases.

According to the grant recipient, Dr. Robert Genco, Distinguished Professor and Chairman at State University of New York at Buffalo and Editor of the Journal of Periodontology, emerging research has identified infection and inflammation caused by periodontal disease as significantly increasing the risk for coronary heart disease.

Supporting one of Genco’s theories, a recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that men with high levels of a marker for inflammation are at an increased risk for a heart attack.

Genco will study the link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease over five years. The study includes 1,000 subjects of both men and women from Caucasian and African-American descent, along with 2,200 control subjects. All known risk factors for heart disease will be assessed: stress, hostility, diabetes, smoking, weight, high blood pressure, blood lipids, family history, diet, alcohol and physical activity.

Genco theorizes that inflammation caused by periodontal diseases contributes to plaque build-up in the arteries which creates greater risk of heart disease. The study will explore the association between these two diseases.

More than $250 billion is spent annually in direct and indirect costs related to cardiovascular disease.

Genco’s study coincides with another grant for $2.2 million in which collaborating researchers will also explore this link. “The emerging area of periodontal and systemic links is one that could have significant impact on public health,” Genco noted. “The findings may be life-saving for some of the nearly one million people who die annually from heart disease,” he suggests.

Previous studies demonstrated a link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease but were limited in size and/or scope, or did not fully control for all risk factors.

The Journal of Periodontology, the official publication of The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), publishes original papers of the highest scientific quality to support the practice, education, and research in the dental specialty of periodontology.

A referral to a periodontist in your area and free brochure samples including one titled Ask Your Periodontist About Periodontal Disease and Heart Disease are available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP’s Web site at www.perio.org.

About the AAP

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the professional organization for

CHICAGO – September 27, 1999 – Many patients putting off a trip to the dentist can add “a reason to go” to their list.

A study released today in the Journal of Periodontology suggests that frequent dental visits following initial periodontal treatment may significantly reduce gingival overgrowth in patients taking nifedipine, a commonly prescribed medication for high blood pressure. Gingival overgrowth is a condition in which the gums become swollen and “grow over” the teeth. Study Abstract *

Nifedipine-Induced Gingival Enlargement Click for enlarged photos

“This is good news for the 20 to 40 percent of patients taking nifedipine who experience discomfort from recurring gingival overgrowth and rely on nifedipine to control their high blood pressure,” said Robert Genco, D.D.S., Ph.D., Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Periodontology. “Swollen gums can be painful, unsightly and interfere with speech, eating, and everyday brushing and flossing.”

The study found that gingival overgrowth recurrence was eliminated in more than half of patients with a combination of initial periodontal therapy, including surgical and non-surgical treatments, followed by more frequent dental visits (every three months). This regimen appeared to affect recurrence more than previously known risk factors, such as gender, drug type, and duration of drug therapy.

“Overgrown gums make it easier for bacteria to accumulate and attack supporting structures of the teeth, which can lead to severe periodontal infection,” explained Jack Caton, D.D.S., M.S., president of the American Academy of Periodontology. “And we know that periodontal infection may be a risk factor for more serious conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and pre-term, low birth weight babies, so it’s more important now than ever for patients to take care of their periodontal health.”

These study findings are a significant advancement to earlier research, which concluded that the development and recurrence of gingival overgrowth could be minimized, but not prevented, with periodontal therapy and frequent dental visits.

“For patients who don’t have the option of switching medications to control their high blood pressure, minimized isn’t good enough,” said Caton. “Today’s health- and esthetic-conscious consumers are looking for treatments and medications to proactively protect their bodies and appearance with few or no side effects. Patients can help accomplish this goal by always informing their health care providers of any changes in overall health or medications.”

A referral to a periodontist in your area and free brochure samples including one titled Ask Your Periodontist About Periodontal Disease and Heart Disease are available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP’s Web site at www.perio.org.

About the AAP

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the professional organization for

CHICAGO – September 19, 2000 – The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is concerned about accumulating research that links periodontal disease to patients’ overall health.

An article in the September 13, 2000, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), and other mounting evidence, suggests that periodontal disease may be linked to cardiovascular disease, stroke and preterm low birth weight. On the other hand, a research article appearing in the September 20, 2000, issue of JAMA shows only a very weak link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease.

Contradictory studies are common in medical research until intervention studies are conducted to prove or disprove working hypotheses. Until the research on the link between periodontal disease and general health conditions is conclusive, the best advice for patients continues to be that people should take care of their periodontal health. In addition to helping people keep their teeth, it may help protect overall health.

Intervention studies currently are underway to further explore the relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, preterm low birthweight and diabetes. Until these findings become available, it is important for the dental and medical communities to communicate on current research findings and to continue research in this area. The AAP, in conjunction with the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial research, held a state-of-the-science symposium in April 2001 to further such collaboration.

A referral to a periodontist in your area and

free brochure samples are available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP’s Web site at www.perio.org.

CHICAGO – September 20, 2001 – Elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) explain one reason why periodontal disease could be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, according to a new study in the Journal of Periodontology. Study Abstract *

Periodontal disease may cause oral bacteria to enter the bloodstream and trigger the liver to make proteins such as CRP that inflame arteries and clot blood, which can lead to heart attacks. CRP levels identify those patients whose inflammations systems respond most actively to stimuli.

“Until intervention studies are completed, we will not know with certainty whether periodontal disease really can cause heart disease. In the meantime, this study provides one more explanation for why it is very plausible that an infection in the mouth could lead to problems with the heart,” said Ernesto De Nardin, Ph.D., one of the study’s researchers.

The study carried out at the University at Buffalo, compared CRP levels in 59 people with moderate and 50 people with advanced periodontal disease to 65 periodontally healthy patients. Adjustments were made for other factors that are known to be associated with elevated levels of CRP such as age, body mass index, smoking and blood lipids. Researchers found that 25 percent of the 174 total subjects had CRP concentrations that have been associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular problems. However, among the 50 people with advanced periodontal disease, the percentage increased to 38. Furthermore, they found that those patients infected with bacteria that cause periodontal disease had the highest levels of C-reactive protein.

“As researchers continue to sort out the link between periodontal disease and heart disease, my advice to my patients remains the same,” said Michael McGuire, D.D.S., president of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). “Do not take your gum health for granted or you may have more to lose than just your teeth.”

A referral to a periodontist in your area and free brochure samples including one titled Ask Your Periodontist About Periodontal Disease and Heart Disease are available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP’s Web site at www.perio.org.

About the AAP

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the professional organization for

CHICAGO – February 7, 2002 – A newly published study in the Journal of Periodontology confirms recent findings that people with periodontal disease are at a greater risk of systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease. Study Abstract *

Researchers found diseased gums released significantly higher levels of bacterial pro-inflammatory components, such as endotoxins, into the bloodstream in patients with severe periodontal disease compared to healthy patients. As a result, these harmful bacterial components in the blood could travel to other organs in the body, such as the heart, and cause harm.

The study is in line with recent findings by the University of Buffalo where researchers suggest periodontal disease may cause oral bacterial components to enter the bloodstream and trigger the liver to make C-reactive proteins, which are a predictor for increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

“We found the mouth can be a major source of chronic or permanent release of toxic bacterial components in the bloodstream during normal oral functions,” said Dr. E.H. Rompen, director of the study. “This could be the missing link explaining the abnormally high blood levels of some inflammatory markers or endotoxemia observed in patients with periodontal disease.”

Researchers studied 67 patients of whom 42 were diagnosed with moderate to severe periodontitis and the remaining 25 patients were healthy individuals who had never received periodontal treatment. Blood samples were taken before and after patients lightly chewed chewing gum 50 times on each side of their jaw. Researchers found the number of patients with endotoxemia rose from six percent before chewing to 24 percent after chewing. Additionally, those with severe periodontal disease had approximately four times more harmful bacterial products in their blood than those with moderate or no periodontal disease.

“While this clinical study supports earlier findings, there is still much research to be done to understand the link between periodontal disease and systemic diseases, such as cardiovascular, and difficult-to-control diabetes,” said Kenneth Bueltmann, D.D.S., president of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). “This data clearly stresses the importance of regular dental checkups to ensure a healthy, diseased-free mouth.”

Periodontal diseases are serious bacterial infections that destroy the attachment fibers and supporting bone that hold your teeth in your mouth. When this happens, gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets that fill with plaque and even more infection. As the disease progresses, these pockets deepen even further, more gum tissue and bone are destroyed and the teeth eventually become loose. Approximately 15 percent of adults between 21 and 50 years old and 30 percent of adults over 50 have the disease. More about periodontal disease.

A referral to a periodontist in your area and free brochure samples including one titled Ask Your Periodontist About Periodontal Disease & Heart Disease are available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP’s Web site at www.perio.org.

About the AAP

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the professional organization for

CHICAGO – June 22, 2004 – People with deep periodontal pockets had an increased risk for electrocardiographic abnormalities (ECG) according to a recent study printed in this month’s issue of the Journal of Periodontology Study Abstract *

Japanese researchers examined general and oral health of 1,111 people and included 957 people who had greater or equal to 10 teeth and did not have a medical history of cardiovascular disease were included.

“We found that people with deep periodontal pockets with a mean value greater than two millimeters had an increased risk for ECG abnormalities compared with people who had pockets with a mean value less than two millimeters. And, people with severe attachment loss with a mean value greater than 2.5 millimeters had a significant risk for ECG abnormalities.” said Dr. Yoshihiro Shimazaki, Department of Preventive Dentistry, Kyushu University Faculty of Dental Science, Japan. “Considering these results, the relationship between periodontitis and ECG abnormalities observed in this study suggests a relationship between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease.”

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory bacterial infection. Past studies report that periodontitis results in higher systemic levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 and neutrophils suggesting that elevated levels of these inflammatory substances cause inflammatory changes to atherosclerotic lesions, which increases the risk of cardiac events.

“This study adds to the growing body of evidence that links periodontitis to cardiovascular disease,” said Dr. Michael P. Rethman, DDS, MS, and president of the American Academy of Periodontology. “In order to examine the degree of cardiovascular risk from periodontitis compared with other risk factors, cohort studies are required. For example, because problematical ECG results are a widely appreciated risk factor for cardiovascular disease, it could be clinically valuable to know the effects of periodontal treatment on ECG exams.”

As ECG examinations cause no discomfort and take only a few minutes, it is widely used to screen for heart disease in health examinations. ECG abnormalities are significantly related to subsequent death from coronary heart disease and one of the most sensitive predictors of fatal coronary heart disease.

Comprehensive periodontal therapy is provided by dental specialists – known as periodontists – who are graduates of three-year residencies that they undertake after graduating from dental school. General dentists and dental hygienists can also provide more limited periodontal care.

A referral to a periodontist in your area and free brochure samples including one titled Ask Your Periodontist About Periodontal Disease and Heart Disease are available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP’s Web site at www.perio.org.

About the AAP

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the professional organization for