Heart disease
The risks of heart disease include smoking, obesity/overweight, high cholesterol or high blood pressure.
It is known that periodontitis, a bacterial infection, can contribute to infectious endocarditis in risk patients (rheumatic fever, mitral valve prolapse, palpitations).
Studies have shown that periodontal bacteria enter the bloodstream and binds to fat plates in the arteries (heart blood vessels). A buildup of fat proteins and thickening of the coronary artery walls contributes to the formation of blood clots, obstruction of normal blood flow, restriction of nutrients and oxygen to the heart leading to heart attacks.
People with periodontitis are twice as likely (compared to people without) to have a fatal heart attack and 3 times more likely to have a cerebral haemorrhage / stroke. A study of over 800 strokes indicates that advanced dental disease can increase the risk by over 50% in adults aged 25-54. Other risk factors such as smoking, lack of exercise, overweight, high blood pressure, high fat and sugary diet should be reduced.
There is still no evidence that periodontitis is a risk factor for hypertension (high blood pressure) or that periodontal treatment reduces blood pressure. (JADA 2019).
Caries bacteria (Streptococcus Mutans) in plaque can also cause bacteriemia, colonize the heartvalves and result in endocarditis.
People with heart disease sometimes receive antibiotics in connection with dental treatment.
Pacemaker
Remember to inform us if you have a pacemaker or ICD (implantable cardioverter-defibrillator) / “pacemaker”. Recent studies have not been able to demonstrate the significance of electromagnetic interference (EMI) on pacemakers from piezoelectric ultrasonic scales and only very little risk in electrosurgery (Tandlægebladet 2/2020).
Respiratory Disease
Periodontal bacteria have been found in the lungs of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is believed that people can aspirate the bacteria from the mouth into the lungs, thereby contributing to the development of respiratory diseases as pneumonia, bronchitis and emphysema.
Kidneys
It is possible that periodontitis contributes to reduced kidney function because: (1) periodontitis contributes to an overall systemic inflammation and (2) periodontitis bacteria and their products can be found in the bloodstream and may possibly help to destroy the kidney epithelium. The research is new and limited so far.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
People affected by this disease are twice as likely to have periodontitis with bone loss and twice as many missing teeth. The damage is caused by the b-immune system and leads to chronic inflammation. Optimal oral hygiene is difficult, so consider an electric toothbrush.