Monday 27 July 2009

224. Inflammation in the gums may cause heart attack

BRAZIL - chronic inflammation in the gums can cause myocardial infarction. It seems strange, but research by the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in São Paulo, showed that accumulated bacteria, caused by infection in the gums, can migrate into the blood circulation and affect the coronary arteries. Moreover, the bacteria can generate a greater production of proteins that facilitate the entry of fat in the body, which contributes to the diseases of the heart.
Because of this, experts warn of the need for proper oral hygiene: simple measures such as proper brushing of teeth after each meal and use of dental floss can help prevent the problem. Rinsed mouth also control the growth of bacteria.
Of indirect way, the periodontal disease - and is called the chronic inflammation in the periondonto that surrounds the teeth - can also cause heart problems. The inflammation causes loss of teeth and, if there is no use of prosthesis, the patient will usually eat more fat and pasty.
"He gained weight and obesity is another risk factor for myocardial infarction," explains the researcher and pharmacologist, Fernando Oliveira. He is author of the thesis Systemic Inflammation in periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, developed at Unicamp. The study done by the researcher was made in the European conference in Berlin, Germany and can be accessed by email http://www.perio.org/ . The expert explains that today about 80% of patients with diseases of the heart have periodontal problems. Statistics shows that 75% of the population above 25 years suffer from chronic inflammation of the gums and 11% of the population are prone to develop periodontal disease.
Moreover, people with more than 30% of dental units involved with the disease have a higher risk of suffering cardiovascular problems. The disease affects between 12% and 15% of the population in Brazil. In severe form, the index is 8%. Causes - The main symptoms of periodontitis, it is also called inflammation are redness and bleeding, in addition to suspension of the gums (the tooth is more due to gingival retraction). In most cases, no pain, so that patients do not seek the dentist immediately.
"People should seek the dentists regularly, but in case of symptoms, and if the table is already advanced, it is good get a specialist in the area," says the researcher, then remembering that put dental health of the municipality may perform the routing.
During treatment, it removes the plaque through scraping or liquid for oral hygiene. Can also be given antibiotics to eradicate the causes of periodontitis. Four months after completion of treatment, the patient should return to the specialist to avoid forming new plaque.
* * *
This text is alert to the effects of diseases of the mouth. Disappoint those who think that teaching children to brush their teeth solves all your problems of diseases of the mouth.

No comments: