One in three heart attacks cannot be explained by the usual risk factors, and cardiologists have been looking for the other common “missing” factors. The British Medical Journal reports that researchers in Finland may have discovered one of these missing factors. Persistent infection in the mouth from dental caries or periodontal disease was found to be much more common in heart attack victims than among people of similar age and sex not having heart attacks.
The researchers speculate that bacterial toxins get into the circulation whenever food is chewed and pressure exerted on gums and teeth. Bacterial toxins are known to have injurious effects on the lining of blood vessels and might help set the stage for the coronary artery narrowing with deposits of cholesterol, leading to heart attacks. Medical research continues in support of this causation.
We invite you to contact our office at 732-295-1616 today to learn more and to schedule an appointment with our dentists in Brick, New Jersey. Dr. John Tortora, Dr. Myrna Eskandar and our team are thrilled to serve you and your smile!