Healthy teeth and gums could cut heart disease, according to a new study.

Professor Robin Seymour explains (Dur 23")

Professor Robin Seymour and Dr James Steele, of the University of Newcastle Dental School, say there is increasing evidence of a link between gum and heart disease.

Prof Robin Seymour: collating the evidence

Their study, published in British Dental Journal, reviews work linking oral health and heart disease.

Professor Seymour said: "If you have a healthy mouth you are less likely to get coronary heart disease."

After reviewing all of the studies comparing the two disorders, he and Dr Steele said that periodontal disease could be as significant a risk factor for heart disease as smoking and a high cholesterol diet.

Could a visit to the dentist prevent heart disease?

They reported: "Evidence is now emerging that dental health may also be a significant risk for the development of coronary heart disease.

"There is probably now enough evidence to suggest that there is a relationship in which we, as dentists, should begin to be interested."

They reviewed 10 studies examining the link between the two diseases.

One of the studies, carried out in America by The National Health and Nutrition Examination Study, showed that patients with periodontal disease had a 25% increased risk of coronary heart disease compared to people without gum problems.

Professor Newell Johnson

The British Dental Association says that giving up smoking could be one way to reduce both gum and heart disease.

Professor Newell Johnson, of the BDA, said: "Smoking accelerates the rate of progression of gum disease and it damages the heart.

"So these two diseases are possibly linked by that common risk factor."
 

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