The connection between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease encourages cardiologists and periodontists to work together to ensure your health.
Gum disease and cardiovascular disease are two major public health issues that impact a large number of Americans and Canadians every day. Cardiovascular or heart disease contributes to 2,400 deaths per day, while gum or periodontal disease affects nearly 75 percent of Americans. Despite impacting separate areas of the body, research has indicated that periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease may be connected. In fact, according to Dr. Dana Levy, Periodontist, having one of these diseases may actually increase your risk of developing the other.
“Both periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease are considered inflammatory diseases, and inflammation is the common mechanism that connects them,” says Dr. Dana Levy. “Inflammation is the body’s instinctive reaction to fight off infection. Although it is initially good for you because it helps in the healing process, exposure to chronic and prolonged inflammation can lead to severe health complications. Periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease are both examples of ensuing complications from inflammation.”
Periodontal disease is caused by a chronic inflammatory response to bacteria under the gums and around the teeth. The bacteria irritate the gums and generate this inflammatory response which over time can break down and destroy the gums and bone that support the teeth. Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from heart disease as those without periodontal disease.
Because of this connection, it is imperative that periodontists, dentists with advanced training in the treatment and prevention of periodontal disease, and cardiologists, doctors who specialize in treating diseases of the heart, work together to provide the best care to patients. A recent consensus paper developed in concert by periodontists and cardiologists summarizes the evidence that links periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, and provides clinical recommendations for both specialties to use in managing their patients living with, or at risk for, either disease.
Because of these clinical recommendations, your next visit to your periodontist or cardiologist may change slightly. You might be surprised when your periodontist now asks even more questions about your medical history, especially about your family history of heart disease and any behaviors that may affect your heart health such as smoking. Your cardiologist may start to ask you about your dental history and might even look in your mouth to evaluate your teeth and gums! Asking these new questions is an important step that health professionals can take to work together to ensure their patients’ health. “Periodontists and cardiologists are starting to work together to better manage their patients’ risk factors for future disease progression,” says Dr. Dana Levy. “It is important that periodontists and cardiologists collaborate to control the inflammatory burden in the body as a result of gum disease or heart disease, thereby helping to reduce further disease progression, and ultimately improve patients’ overall health.”
For more information on the relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, the consensus paper, or tips on how to prevent or treat gum disease, visit www.perio.org.,
http://www.dentistryondundas.com/Home.htm, email: perio@dentistryondundas.com or
Heart and Stroke Foundation
Dr. Cara Lindsay is joining the Dentistry on Dundas team! She graduated from The University of Western Ontario in 2006, receiving the Gold Medal in her faculty and obtaining a B.A in Psychology. She recieved her Doctor of Dental Surgery from The University of Toronto in 2010 where she won awards for her exemplary extracurricular involvement. As a student she served as social representative of Alpha Omega, Director of Dentantics, Student Council Representative, Fashion Show Producer and Head of Philanthropy for her class. Her fundraising initiative to increase oral cancer awareness helped foster the establishment of a research fund at the Princess Margaret Hospital specifically for oral cancer. She is an active member of many dental associations and organizations including the Canadian Dental Association, Ontario Dental Association, International Association for Orthodontics, North Toronto Dental Society, Alpha Omega Dental Fraterntiy and the Toronto Crown and Bridge Study Club. She enjoys all aspects of dentistry including orthodontics and enjoys keeping up to date with the latest dental trends by regularly attending continuing education seminars. In her spare time Dr. Lindsay enjoys sailing, dancing, travelling, music and art. There is also a family connection with Dr. Lindsay, she is Dr. Millman's niece!
The connection between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease encourages cardiologists and periodontists to work together to ensure your health.
Dr. Gabriella Garisto holds a Masters in Dental Anaesthesiology and is one of the few dentists in our province who holds a board certified specialty status in this area of expertise. Dr. Garisto graduated from the University of Toronto Doctor of Dental Surgery program with honours. She was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honour Society and has won awards and scholarships in the areas of pain control and patient management, as well as in preventive dentistry. Her subsequent three years of training in the Masters Dental Anaesthesia program included major rotations at the Hospital for Sick Children and the Toronto East General Hospital. In addition to providing dental and anaesthetic care for Dentistry on Dundas, Dr. Garisto is an Assistant Professor in the Discipline of Dental Anaesthesia at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Dentistry. In her spare time Gabriella enjoys cooking and travelling. 
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