Dee Nishimine, D.D.S., Inc.
Sophia Y. Tseng, D.M.D.
Periodontics & Dental Implants
Call: (559)229-6557

PD, Heart Disease and Stroke

Periodontal Disease (PD), heart disease and stroke may seem to be unlikely bedfellows, but researchers have found that gum disease sufferers are nearly twice as likely to also suffer from coronary heart disease.  In addition, research studies have discovered that oral infection is indeed a risk factor for stroke.  People diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia were more likely to also be experiencing some degree of Periodontal Disease (PD) .

Drs. Dennis Nishimine, Dee Nishimine, & Sophia Tseng are Periodontists and will evaluate you very carefully for the systemic relationships and your periodontal conditions.  "We don't want to just look at your teeth we want to look  at your entire body and do what is best for you."

Periodontal Disease (PD) is a progressive condition in which the gingival tissue surrounding the teeth is infected by the colonization of bacteria.  Bacteria Plaque found colonize first above, then below the  gumline causing the tissue to pull away from the teeth.  If Periodontal Disease (PD) is left untreated, deep pockets form between the gums and the teeth and the tissue of the underlying jawbone is also destroyed.  The destruction of bone tissue causes the teeth to shift, wobble or completely detach from the bone.

Coronary heart disease occurs when the walls of the coronary arteries become progressively thicker due to the buildup of fatty proteins. We will want to know your choelesterol levels, totals, HDL's LDL's and Triglyceride levels.  The heart then suffers from a lack of oxygen and must labor significantly harder to pump blood to the rest of the body.  Coronary heart disease sufferers sometimes experience blood clots which obstruct normal blood flow and reduce the amount of vital nutrients and oxygen the heart needs to function properly.  This phenomenon often leads to heart attacks.

Reasons for the Connection

There is little doubt that the presence of Periodontal Disease (PD)  can exacerbate existing heart conditions. Drs. Dennis Nishimine, Dee Nishimine, & Sophia Tseng and  your cardiologist generally work as a team in order to treat individuals experiencing both conditions.

There are several theories which may explain the link between heart disease, stroke and Periodontal Disease (PD), which include the following:

  • Oral bacteria affect the heart – There are many different strains of periodontal bacteria.  Researchers assert that some of these strains of bacteria enter the bloodstream and attach to the fatty plaques in the heart blood vessels (coronary arteries).  This attachment then contributes to clot formation causing grave danger to the individual.

  • Inflammation – Periodontal Disease (PD)  causes severe inflammation in the gum tissue which elevates the white blood cell count and also the high sensitivity C-reactive protein levels.  Research studies have shown that elevated levels of C-reactive proteins have been linked to heart disease.

  • Infectious susceptibility – Individuals who experience particularly high levels of oral bacteria may have weaker immune systems and an inadequate host inflammatory response.  These factors may induce specific vascular effects which have previously been shown to contribute in the onset of certain forms of heart disease.
  • Oral Hygiene Instructions (OHI): Brushing and Flossing daily will greatly reduce the bacterial counts in your mouth that contribute to your systemic disease.  Again we want you to Brush your teeth at least 4-5 times per day and Floss 2 times per day.  Your two hands and your understanding are 90% of the success of your periodontal health.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Since Periodontal Disease (PD)  appears to be a risk factor for both heart attack and stroke, it is extremely important to seek immediate treatment.  Initially, Drs. Dennis Nishimine, Dee Nishimine, & Sophia Tseng will conduct thorough periodontal examinations to assess the exact condition of the teeth, gums and jawbone.  X-rays can be helpful in determining whether bone loss is prevalent in the upper and lower jaw.

The Periodontal Implant Team is able to conduct deep cleaning treatments such as scaling and root planing(SRP's) to remove hardened calculus (tartar) deposits from the deep pockets.  An antibiotic may be prescribed to ensure that the bacterium is completely destroyed and the periodontal infection does not spread.  In most cases, Periodontal Disease (PD) can be prevented with regular cleanings and OHI of Brushing and Flossing.

If you have questions or concerns about periodontal disease and its relation to heart disease and stroke, please ask our Periodontal  Implant Team.  Contact us