Emerging Research Supports Link Between Cardiovascular and Periodontal Diseases

    Dec. 7, 2001
    New Data Presented At International Periodontal Disease Meeting.

    Data presented at the International Academy of Periodontology Annual Meeting and The New Zealand Society of Periodontology 50th Anniversary Meeting in Auckland further establishes a potential link between cardiovascular disease and periodontal disease.� The study, "Are Cardiac Patients More Likely to Have Periodontitis?" retrospectively examines the prevalence and severity of periodontal disease among 78 heart transplant patients.� The findings suggest a possible relationship between periodontitis and heart disease that leads to transplantation.�

    Moreover, the study explores how infections and inflammations in the mouth could be an additional risk factor for the development of ischemic heart disease. The results infer that secondary infections such as periodontal disease may be a trigger factor for such disease and therefore could play a much more significant role in overall health.� The studies and symposium were sponsored by Warminster, Penn.-based OraPharma, Inc.

    Data were also presented indicating that smokers being treated for periodontal disease respond more favorably to a combined treatment of scaling and root planing ("SRP"), together with Arestin�, than to SRP alone.� Arestin�, OraPharma's initial product, is a locally delivered antibiotic (Minocycline Microspheres), which is administered to patients with periodontitis.

    WHO: Jan Lessem, M.D., Ph.D., FACC, Chief Medical Officer, Vice President Clinical Research, OraPharma, Inc., and lead author of the cardiac transplant study.�

    He can discuss:

    � The study findings:� The connection between heart and gum diseases

    � How to recognize periodontal disease

    � Special concerns about gum health for smokers

    � New treatment options for periodontal disease

    � Self evaluation for periodontal disease

    � Tips on prevention

    Fifty million Americans suffer from periodontal disease.� Yet, 40 million of them go untreated, leaving them at risk of heart disease, stroke, and other disease and conditions, according to the first and recent Surgeon General's Report on Oral Health in America.� The report states, "The oral cavity is a portal of entry as well as the site of disease for microbial infections that affect general health status."