Guest guest Posted March 11, 2008 Report Share Posted March 11, 2008 Many, if not most people don't realize there is a correlation between oral health, and health of the body in general............Lynn Heart Disease and Tooth Loss Cardiovascular Disease and DentistryBy Tammy Davenport, About.com Updated: March 5, 2008 About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board While visiting with my parents a few days ago, something on their table caught my eye. It was the AARP magazine. On the cover were the words, “Guard Your Heart - 7 Step Plan” I opened the magazine and found the article. The very first step in this 7 step plan was… brush and floss. As the results of numerous studies relating dental problems to heart disease are consistent, more people are becoming aware of the association between good oral hygiene and overall health. The American Journal of Preventative Medicine issued a report in the December 2005 issue about a study that links heart disease to tooth loss in adults. The Study The study was conducted by state health agencies and was assisted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey conducted between 1999 to 2002, included more than 40,000 adults aged 40 to 79, from 22 different states. Even though smoking is linked to oral cancer, heart disease, gum disease and tooth loss, this study shows a significant connection between heart disease and tooth loss among participants in the age group of 40 to 59 who have never smoked. Results The American Journal of Preventative Medicine states the results of this study as, “A significant association was observed between the extent of tooth loss and heart disease prevalence.” After adjustment for social and genetic factors such as gender, marital status, education and race/ethnicity, the researchers reported that the respondents who had missing teeth were significantly more likely to have heart disease than those who did not have tooth loss. According to this study, the percentages of respondents likely to have heart disease associated with tooth loss is as follows: 1 to 5 missing teeth: 6.8% 6 to 31 missing teeth: 10.2% Complete tooth loss: 11.5% The researchers also concluded that the prevention and control of heart disease risk factors and good oral health maintenance should be included in health promotion counseling. Source: American Journal of Preventative Medicine Tooth Loss and Heart Disease: Findings from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. 05 December 2005. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 11, 2008 Report Share Posted March 11, 2008 Of course we need to keep in mind that the dentists also contribute to our poor oral health. They are very expensive for one thing. Even if you have insurance, you still end up paying a lot. Also, I have never heard my dentist tell me that poor oral health can lead to heart disease, NEVER. The dental insurance still promotes mercury amalgam fillings and if you want the non mercury fillings, you have to pay more out of pocket. Lastly, dentists never ever tell you that root canals are dangerous to your health. NEVER. http://www.newswithviews.com/Howenstine/james34.htm WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ROOT CANALS > Heart Disease and Tooth Loss > > > > > Cardiovascular Disease and Dentistry > > By <http://dentistry.about.com/mbiopage.htm>Tammy Davenport, About.com > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 11, 2008 Report Share Posted March 11, 2008 At 01:35 PM 3/11/2008, you wrote: I do know, though, that very bad teeth can lead to illness - in both animals and humans. I'm talking decay here. Actually, I'm not so sure it's the dentists per se. Health insurance rarely pays for dental work, unless you've been in some sort of accident where your mouth or face got smashed. Many people can not afford to go to either the doctor or the dentist. So, I don't think the focus should be on root canals or amalgams - we're talking about people who rarely, if ever, get anything done, because they don't have the money. And, unfortunately, I think there are a lot more people in that boat than you might imagine. Lynn Of course we need to keep in mind that the dentists also contribute to our poor oral health. They are very expensive for one thing. Even if you have insurance, you still end up paying a lot. Also, I have never heard my dentist tell me that poor oral health can lead to heart disease, NEVER. The dental insurance still promotes mercury amalgam fillings and if you want the non mercury fillings, you have to pay more out of pocket. Lastly, dentists never ever tell you that root canals are dangerous to your health. NEVER. http://www.newswithviews.com/Howenstine/james34.htm WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ROOT CANALS > Heart Disease and Tooth Loss > > > > > Cardiovascular Disease and Dentistry > > By < http://dentistry.about.com/mbiopage.htm>Tammy Davenport, About.com > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 12, 2008 Report Share Posted March 12, 2008 It's all so obvious. So, why is there little to no dental coverage included with health insurance plans? Especially Medicare plans? Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.