By Phyllis McIntosh

Do you rush through brushing your teeth at night, or skip flossing? Well, here’s incentive to spend more time at the sink: Recent research suggests a link between periodontal, or gum, disease and conditions such as heart disease, stroke and cancer.

People who have gum disease are twice as likely to develop coronary artery disease, and people who have had strokes are more likely to have a history of gum infections, studies find. Sally Cram, D.D.S., a spokesperson for the American Dental Association (ADA), says that infection in the mouth may release chemicals that cause inflammation and narrowing of the blood vessels, which leads to coronary artery disease. Or, bacteria from the mouth may enter the blood stream and cause clumping or clotting of the fatty plaque on the insides of vessels, leading to coronary artery disease, heart attack or (if a clot breaks off and goes to the brain) a stroke.

In other news, researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health analyzed data on more than 51,000 men and found that those with gum disease had a 63 percent higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Why? It may be that the mouths of people with periodontal disease have elevated levels of nitrosamines—carcinogens produced by bacteria in the stomach, says Dominique Michaud, Sci.D., lead author of the study. Another explanation is that inflammation in the pancreas may be triggered by bloodborne bacteria.

The solution is to prevent the buildup of plaque—the sticky, bacteria-laden film on teeth. Equally important are visits to the dentist at least every six months so that tartar—plaque that has hardened on the teeth—can be removed.

Some groups are at high risk for oral disease and need to be vigilant about self-care and checkups:

Smokers are more prone to plaque, infection and oral cancer.

Women have more gum disease during pregnancy, menopause, and just before and during menstruation.

Those with diabetes are two to three times more likely to have gum disease. And untreated gum disease is associated with a higher incidence of diabetes or blood-sugar problems.

Believe It or Not…

You don’t need to chuck your toothbrush after a cold or the flu. You’re unlikely to reinfect yourself, says the ADA. Simply store the brush in an upright position, and allow it to air-dry.

An electric toothbrush isn’t always better. If you have good manual dexterity and a toothbrush with soft bristles, you may be able to do as well or better than with an electric brush. Ask your hygienist to check your technique.

You can’t catch gum disease by kissing or sharing utensils with someone who has it. Although family members who live together harbor the same kinds of bacteria in their mouths, there’s no evidence that gum disease is transmittable.

So, take care of your mouth by brushing and flossing regularly, and see your dentist regularly. Not only will you have cleaner teeth and sweeter breath, but your whole body will be healthier. And you may reduce the chances that you will develop a major disease that could shorten your life.

Writer: Phyllis McIntosh
©REMEDY, Summer 2007

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Phyllis McIntosh is a writer for MediZine, LLC. Robert A. Barnett is Content Director of HealthyUpdates.com, a health education website produced by MediZine, LLC.