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Levels of Bacteria in Plaque Beneath the Gum Line May Increase Risk for Heart Attacks

Researchers Warn: Don’t Let Your Mouth Pollute Your Clean Heart

CHICAGO – May 19, 2005 – Researchers have found evidence that the amount of bacteria in subgingival plaques, the deep plaques in periodontal pockets and around the teeth, may contribute to an individual’s risk of a heart attack, according to two studies appearing in the Journal of Periodontology. These studies further researchers' understanding that periodontal bacteria may increase the risk for heart disease.

In one study researchers looked at 150 individuals with periodontal diseases and found that the total number of periodontal bacteria in subgingival plaques was higher in individuals that have suffered from an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack). The second study found that the same DNA from different kinds of periodontal bacteria in plaque was also in the patients’ heart arteries. Researchers believe that these findings may help substantiate what they have long known; if there is a sterile pathway, such as a bloodstream, near a periodontally infected area that the bacteria from this infected area cause inflammation in the gums that opens up pores in the surrounding blood vessels, which enables the bacteria to enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body and cause great harm.

“It is like setting up a garbage dump on the edge of a river. You wouldn’t be surprised if the lake downstream ended up polluted with the garbage from the dump,” said Vincent J Iacono, DMD and president of the American Academy of Periodontology. “A patient’s bloodstream acts very much like the river in this analogy, in that it carries the bacteria from the periodontal plaques, possibly ‘polluting’ the arteries of the heart with periodontal bacteria, causing inflammation of the arteries which may lead to a heart attack. This potential effect of periodontal bacteria further supports the need for periodic deep cleanings to enhance overall health and wellbeing.”

These studies represent two in a large body of research that investigates the possible link between periodontal diseases and other systemic conditions such as heart disease. “Intervention data is not available to prove a causal relationship between the two. Right now we are currently advising patients that maintaining good periodontal health can only help not hurt,” said Iacono.

Referral to a periodontist in your area and free brochure samples including one titled Ask your Periodontist about Periodontal Disease and Heart Disease are available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP's Web site at www.perio.org.

About the AAP

The American Academy of Periodontology is an 8,000-member association of dental professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. Periodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.

For more information, contact the AAP Public Affairs Department at 312/573-3242.

* EDITOR'S NOTE: Abstracts of the two Journal of Periodontology studies are available to the public online:

Representatives of the media may contact the AAP Public Affairs Department to receive a copy of the studies. Full-text of the studies may be accessed by AAP members and Journal subscribers or purchased online for $20.