Gum disease might be related to heart disease, say UQ researchers

Bad gums might not only mean bad breath, but could also mean you are more likely to have a heart attack, according to new research from The University of Queensland.

The research provides strong evidence that there may be a direct link between the bacteria that cause periodontal or gum disease and cardiovascular disease.

Heart researcher Professor Malcom West, of UQ’s School of Medicine and Professor Greg Seymour of the School of Dentistry joined forces for the $500,000 project .

The study has so far shown that people with cardiovascular disease, or who have suffered a heart attack have fewer teeth and have more severe and more extensive periodontal disease, compared with a similar group that did not have heart disease.

“Our investigations support the concept that infection and specifically periodontal infection may be associated with coronary heart disease,” Professor Seymour said.

“We were able to demonstrate that T cells that are reactive with oral bacteria can be found in the arteries of people with atherosclerosis. In one third of patients, oral bacteria were also found in the diseased arteries,” he said.

This research indicates that oral health has significant repercussions for both the quality and possibly the quantity of life.

“Oral health impacts largely on the quality of life – how you eat, how you look and if you have bad breath, how you interact with others. Heart disease can impact on how long you will live,” Professor Seymour said.

“The important issue is that oral infection can be avoided by following the well established rules for good dental health – look after your teeth with regular cleaning, eat a balanced diet, see your dentist regularly and have any problems, such as sore or bleeding gums, seen to immediately,” he said.

Media: For more information contact Marlene McKendry (telephone 07 3346 4713 or 0401 996847.)