Poor dental hygiene is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease
1er June 2010 – We already suspected it, but here is a large study1 Scottish tends to confirm it: having poor dental hygiene increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a Scottish study.
The study was conducted over 8 years with 11 subjects. According to the results, in subjects who had the poorest dental hygiene habits, the risk of suffering from cardiovascular disease increased by 869% compared to those who brushed their teeth regularly and made frequent use of the toothbrush. dental floss.
These results tend to support the theory that chronic inflammation is associated with the onset of cardiovascular disease. Poor dental hygiene leads to periodontal disease2, which is accompanied by chronic inflammatory reactions. However, the authors of the study observed, in subjects who neglected the toothbrush and dental floss, an increase in the levels of C reactive protein and fibrinogen, two markers of inflammation and blood clotting.
Chronic inflammatory processes, regardless of their source, are increasingly believed to have an effect on the incidence of atherosclerosis as well as physiological lipidemia, 2 important risk factors for heart disease. This would explain the increased incidence of cardiovascular disease in people with periodontal disease. Note that periodontal disease is one of the main sources of underlying chronic inflammation.
Therefore, the researchers conclude that good dental hygiene could help prevent cardiovascular disorders.
Pierre Lefrançois – PasseportSanté.net
1. de Oliveira C, Watt R, Hamer M. Toothbrushing, inflammation, and risk of cardiovascular disease: results from Scottish Health Survey. BMJ. 2010 May 27;340:c2451.
2. Condition of the periodontium which is the set of tissues that surround and support the tooth, while connecting it to the jawbone.