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| health information | health news

Healthy smile, healthy heart?

15 March 2007

What we already know
Results of previous studies on a possible link between periodontitis and risk of cardiovascular disease have been mixed. This is because other factors, such as smoking habits and socio-economic status, can also contribute the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Looking after your teeth may do more than give you a dazzling smile, according to a recent study. Researchers have shown that keeping your teeth and gums healthy can also lead to healthier blood vessels, which may lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.

A total of 120 people took part in the study. These were split into two groups: the control and test groups.

The control group had the normal scaling and polishing treatment that dentists give to patients on a routine check-up. The test group had more rigorous treatment for their gum disease; their teeth, gums and roots were cleaned very thoroughly. Any teeth that could not be saved were removed.

Both groups were asked to return to the hospital for five follow-up visits. These visits were at 1, 7, 30, 60 and 180 days after treatment. During these follow-up visits, the participants had more tests to check for gum disease and assess their blood vessels.

The results, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed that six months after their dental treatment, people who had the intensive treatment had healthier blood vessels than those who had basic scaling and polishing.

Professor Peter Weissberg, Medical Director of the British Heart Foundation, said: "This important new study provides direct evidence linking an improvement in dental health with better blood vessel function. Longer term studies will help show if this also means reduced levels of heart disease for this group of patients".

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Q and A section

What is periodontitis?

It is a severe form of gum disease that also affects the ligament and bone holding the teeth in place. If it isn't treated, teeth become loose and fall out. Researchers think that the bacteria involved in periodontitis may also affect endothelial cells of the blood vessels.

Who took part in the study?

Researchers invited people who were being treated for periodontitis at the Eastman Dental Hospital in London to take part in the study. A total of 1079 patients were screened; 129 of these were eligible for the study and 120 took part.

How was the study carried out?

The researchers carried out the following tests as part of the study.

Dental examination: to assess the severity of their gum disease.
Blood tests: to test for biomarkers released by damaged blood vessels.
Ultrasound test: to see how well the blood vessels were working, each person had an ultrasound scan on an artery in their arm (the brachial artery).
Other measurements: height, weight and blood pressure were measured.
Health questionnaire: all participants were asked if they smoked and whether they had a family history of cardiovascular disease.
Advice: all participants were given advice on good oral hygiene.

What's the difference between the control and test groups?

The control group had the normal cleaning that dentists give to patients on a routine check-up. This is called scaling and polishing.

The test group had more rigorous treatment. They were given a local anaesthetic so that their teeth, gums and roots could be cleaned very thoroughly. Any teeth that could not be saved were removed.

What were the conclusions?

The researchers showed that the intensive treatment group had healthier blood vessels than the control group six months after treatment. However, they point out that further studies are needed to find out whether this type of treatment could lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.