CHICAGO, June 1, 2009 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Cardiovascular
disease, the leading killer of men and women in the United States, is a major
public health issue contributing to 2,400 deaths each day. Periodontal disease,
a chronic inflammatory disease that destroys bone and gum tissues that support
the teeth affects nearly 75 percent of Americans and is the major cause of adult
tooth loss. And while the prevalence rates of these disease states seems grim,
research suggests that managing one disease may reduce the risk for the other.
A consensus paper on the relationship between heart disease and gum disease was
recently published concurrently in the online versions of two leading
publications, the American Journal of Cardiology (AJC), a publication circulated
to 30,000 cardiologists, and the Journal of Periodontology (JOP), the official
publication of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). Developed in
concert by cardiologists, the physicians specialized in treating diseases of the
heart, and periodontists, the dentists with advanced training in the treatment
and prevention of periodontal disease, the paper contains clinical
recommendations for both medical and dental professionals to use in managing
patients living with, or who are at risk for, either disease. As a result of the
paper, cardiologists may now examine a patient's mouth, and periodontists may
begin asking questions about heart health and family history of heart disease.
The clinical recommendations were developed at a meeting held earlier this year
of top opinion-leaders in both cardiology and periodontology. In addition to the
clinical recommendations, the consensus paper summarizes the scientific evidence
that links periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease and explains the
underlying biologic and inflammatory mechanisms that may be the basis for the
connection.
According to Kenneth Kornman, DDS, PhD, Editor of the Journal of Periodontology
and a co-author of the consensus report, the cooperation between the cardiology
and periodontal communities is an important first step in helping patients
reduce their risk of these associated diseases. "Inflammation is a major risk
factor for heart disease, and periodontal disease may increase the inflammation
level throughout the body. Since several studies have shown that patients with
periodontal disease have an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, we felt
it was important to develop clinical recommendations for our respective
specialties. Therefore, you will now see cardiologists and periodontists joining
forces to help our patients."
For patients, this may mean receiving some unconventional advice from their
periodontist or cardiologist. The clinical recommendations outlined in the
consensus paper advise that periodontists not only inform their patients of the
increased risk of cardiovascular disease associated with periodontal disease,
but also assess their risk for future cardiovascular disease and guide them to
be evaluated for the major risk factors. The paper also recommends that
physicians managing patients with cardiovascular disease evaluate the mouth for
the basic signs of periodontal disease such as significant tooth loss, visual
signs of oral inflammation, and receding gums.
While additional research will help identify the precise relationship between
periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, recent emphasis has been placed
on the role of inflammation - the body's reaction to fight off infection, guard
against injury or shield against irritation. While inflammation initially
intends to have a protective effect, untreated chronic inflammation can lead to
dysfunction of the affected tissues, and therefore to more severe health
complications.
"Both periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease are inflammatory diseases,
and inflammation is the common mechanism that connects them," says Dr. David
Cochran, DDS, PhD, President of the AAP and Chair of the Department of
Periodontics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
"The clinical recommendations included in the consensus paper will help
periodontists and cardiologists control the inflammatory burden in the body as a
result of gum disease or heart disease, thereby helping to reduce further
disease progression, and ultimately to improve our patients' overall health.
That is our common goal."
To learn more about gum disease, locate a periodontist, or to find out if you
are at risk for periodontal disease, visit perio.org or call (800) FLOSS-EM
(800/356-7736).
About the American Academy of Periodontology
The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the professional organization
for periodontists, specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of
diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, and in the
placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also dentistry's experts in the
treatment of oral inflammation. They receive three additional years of
specialized training following dental school, and periodontics is one of the
nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. The AAP
has 8,000 members world-wide.
NOTE: A copy of "The American Journal of Cardiology and Journal of
Periodontology Editors' Consensus: Periodontitis and Atherosclerotic
Cardiovascular Disease" can be viewed at http://www.joponline.org/toc/jop/0/0.
For more information, contact the AAP Public Affairs Department at 312/573-3242.
Meg Dempsey
American Academy of Periodontology
312/573-3242
meg@perio.org
SOURCE American Academy of Periodontolgy
URL: http://www.perio.org
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