Periodontics and cardiology may have a lot in common. Soon, a periodontist may be working in closer proximity to cardiologists than one might have thought. As more information is emerging about the connection between gum diseases and some heart conditions, there is a possibility that the two fields will be conducting extensive research to find out exactly what these two sets of conditions have in common, and more importantly if one can be used to diagnose and prevent the other. Naturally if there is a way for periodontists to find people that are at a higher risk for heart diseases, based on the condition of their gums it would be an exciting step forward that may give cardiologists an additional early warning mechanism that will ultimately save lives.
Periodontists, in conjunction with cardiologists, have examined a large number of scientific and private studies compiled into a large database, several similarities and conjoining factors have emerged that suggest that gum diseases may be linked to heart conditions, and vice versa. What is important to note is that these studies, and this compilation of data is extremely rudimentary at this stage, which means no important conclusions can be drawn until much more in depth analysis is completed. From an anecdotal evidence point of view, however, it is clear that the two have numerous factors in common which leads one to believe that there is room for more research to gain a more clear understanding of how one condition may be a precursor to or an indicator of the other.
While there is much research to be done, the studies, that have been concluded, have found two very interesting corresponding factors, which warrant further study. The first of these is the elevated levels of CRP, or the C-reactive protein which is found in both heart patients and in patients that have gum diseases. The second is the identical nature of the bacteria found in the atherosclerotic plaque in the arteries of heart patients and the bacteria that affects patients with gum disease.
The C-reactive protein is an important diagnostic and monitoring tool for both cardiologists and periodontists. CRP, or C-reactive protein, reaches elevated levels if the body has some level of inflammation. For a heart patient, this occurs because the build of plaque in the arteries is an inflammatory process which makes it a key tool for diagnosing at risk patients at the cardiologist's office. In periodontics, the gum disease also causes inflammation, which means they too measure the CRP as part of the diagnostic and monitoring process.
The second, and potentially more important, connection between gum diseases and heart conditions come from the identical nature of the bacteria found in atherosclerotic plaque and the bacteria in the gums. Theoretically this could be caused by people with gum diseases brushing their teeth and releasing the bacteria into the blood stream where it makes its way into the arteries. Once in the arteries the bacteria release a protein typically found in the arterial walls, leading the body to activate its defense mechanisms. The result of this would be easier clotting of blood in the affected areas, which could be damaging to the arteries and increases the risk of heart disease. Perhaps periodontics can be an early indication of heart disease to come.
