Having Your Teeth Cleaned Is Not Just About 'Cleaning' Anymore. It Could Save Your Life!... A direct link has been established between chronic infection such as gum infection and atherosclerosis which causes heart attack and stroke. Dentists are reporting: "Before, we would tell people to brush and floss or you might loss your teeth. Now, we are saying to brush and floss, because it could save your life". -Dr. John Li, D.D.S. The Journal Stroke (1997, 28:1724); published by The American Heart Association Chronic infections such as dental infections or chronic bronchitis may more than double the risk of stroke. The findings are consistent with earlier reports of a link between chronic infections and atherosclerosis. A study reported at the University of North Carolina showed increased risk of heart disease and stroke in people with periodontal disease (Beck, etc: J. of Periodontology 67:1123, 1996). People with heart disease or primary cardiac event are now being referred to their dentists to "get their mouth cleaned up". People with poor dental status linked to gum disease, were at a 2.6 times greater risk for stroke. Associate Press (Nov. 2002); Inflammation Worst Heart Attack Risk A landmark study offers the strongest evidence that simmering, painless inflammation (such as from chronic gum infection - Dr. Li) deep within the body is the single most powerful trigger of heart attacks, worse even than high cholesterol. The study, based on nearly 28,000 women, is by far the largest to look at inflammation's role and it shows that those with high level of inflammation are twice as likely as those with high cholesterol to die from heart attacks and strokes. According to Dr. Eric Topol, chief of cardiology at the Cleveland Clinic, inflammation can be measured with a test that checks for C-re-active protein or CRP, a chemical necessary for fighting injury and infection. Diet and exercise can lower CRP dramatically. Cholesterol lowering drugs called statins also reduce CRP, as do aspirin. The fatty build-ups that line the blood vessels become inflamed as white blood cells invade in a misguided defense attempt that is triggered by high blood pressure, smoking and lingering low-level infection, such as chronic gum disease. Inflammation is thought to weaken the fatty build-ups, or plaques, making them more likely to burst. A piece of plaque can then lead to a clot that can choke off the blood flow and cause a heart attack. Barrhaven South Dentistry can help you make the right decisions about your teeth. Contact Us to schedule an appointment today. Barrhaven South Dentistry, 129 Riocan Ave, Unit 6, Nepean, ON Tel: (613) 825-8900 | Email: info@BarrhavenSouthDentistry.com