Clipping Board » Life Tips ─ Life is also a subject of study...
Update Date: 2010/07/22 15:38
By Lee Ping-Ying
A study by University College London found that people who do not brush their teeth daily have a 1.7 times higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those who brush twice a day. Even after controlling for other cardiovascular risk factors, there remains a significant association between cardiovascular disease and toothbrushing.
A meta-analysis of seven high-quality studies revealed that periodontal conditions—including periodontitis, tooth loss, gingivitis, and periodontal bone loss—increase the risk of coronary artery disease by 1.24 to 1.35 times.
As the evidence becomes clearer, some scholars have begun recommending that periodontal patients be informed of this connection and that cardiovascular disease patients be checked for dental issues.
There are two possible explanations for how periodontal disease leads to atherosclerosis. The first, supported by many Japanese researchers, suggests that chronic inflammation in the gums allows bacteria like streptococci to occasionally enter the bloodstream, where they attack and damage blood vessel walls over time. Traces of these bacteria have been found in atherosclerotic lesions, lending credibility to this theory.
Most European and American scholars, however, hold a different view. They argue that periodontal disease triggers chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, not just localized to the mouth. This persistent inflammation gradually damages the integrity of blood vessel walls. Over time, abnormal fat deposits accumulate on the damaged vessel walls, leading to atherosclerosis.
While the possibility of direct bacterial attack on blood vessels cannot be entirely ruled out, the inflammation theory is considered more plausible because atherosclerosis is linked not only to periodontal disease but also to various other inflammatory conditions. For example, smoking causes chronic respiratory inflammation and is also a known risk factor for atherosclerosis.
**[Preventing Atherosclerosis by Avoiding All Forms of Inflammation]**
Since atherosclerosis results from chronic inflammation, researchers have explored using anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin for prevention. Initial studies found that low-dose aspirin could reduce the recurrence of complications like stroke and myocardial infarction in patients who had already experienced such events. However, for individuals without prior cardiovascular incidents, long-term aspirin use offers minimal benefits and increases the risk of bleeding.
Research on periodontal disease suggests another way to prevent atherosclerosis: avoiding all forms of chronic inflammation. Address cavities promptly to preserve healthy teeth. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and unnecessary cellular damage. And for children who refuse to brush their teeth, we can now warn them: "If you don’t brush, your blood vessels might get clogged later!"
Source: http:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ art……rl/ d/ a/ 100722/ 127/ 29pos. html
Ignore Cavities, Risk Arterial Hardening
By Lee Ping-Ying
A study by University College London found that people who do not brush their teeth daily have a 1.7 times higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those who brush twice a day. Even after controlling for other cardiovascular risk factors, there remains a significant association between cardiovascular disease and toothbrushing.
A meta-analysis of seven high-quality studies revealed that periodontal conditions—including periodontitis, tooth loss, gingivitis, and periodontal bone loss—increase the risk of coronary artery disease by 1.24 to 1.35 times.
As the evidence becomes clearer, some scholars have begun recommending that periodontal patients be informed of this connection and that cardiovascular disease patients be checked for dental issues.
There are two possible explanations for how periodontal disease leads to atherosclerosis. The first, supported by many Japanese researchers, suggests that chronic inflammation in the gums allows bacteria like streptococci to occasionally enter the bloodstream, where they attack and damage blood vessel walls over time. Traces of these bacteria have been found in atherosclerotic lesions, lending credibility to this theory.
Most European and American scholars, however, hold a different view. They argue that periodontal disease triggers chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, not just localized to the mouth. This persistent inflammation gradually damages the integrity of blood vessel walls. Over time, abnormal fat deposits accumulate on the damaged vessel walls, leading to atherosclerosis.
While the possibility of direct bacterial attack on blood vessels cannot be entirely ruled out, the inflammation theory is considered more plausible because atherosclerosis is linked not only to periodontal disease but also to various other inflammatory conditions. For example, smoking causes chronic respiratory inflammation and is also a known risk factor for atherosclerosis.
**[Preventing Atherosclerosis by Avoiding All Forms of Inflammation]**
Since atherosclerosis results from chronic inflammation, researchers have explored using anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin for prevention. Initial studies found that low-dose aspirin could reduce the recurrence of complications like stroke and myocardial infarction in patients who had already experienced such events. However, for individuals without prior cardiovascular incidents, long-term aspirin use offers minimal benefits and increases the risk of bleeding.
Research on periodontal disease suggests another way to prevent atherosclerosis: avoiding all forms of chronic inflammation. Address cavities promptly to preserve healthy teeth. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and unnecessary cellular damage. And for children who refuse to brush their teeth, we can now warn them: "If you don’t brush, your blood vessels might get clogged later!"
Source: http:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ art……rl/ d/ a/ 100722/ 127/ 29pos. html