Are Periodontal Disease and Cardiovascular Disease Related?

Can taking good care of your teeth and gums help prevent cardiovascular disease? It might!


Studies are being done to determine just how much periodontal disease affects atherosclerosis and cardio health. It has already been proven that bacteria from the mouth can enter the blood stream during cleaning, and dental procedures. What scientists are trying to determine is if the two problems are connected.


Periodontal disease can raise C-RP (C-Reactive Protein) which is a marker that tells us if inflammation is present. If a person has cardiovascular disease they are most likely to have a high C-RP level in their blood. Our doctors check C-RP levels in our standard blood work, so that they can inform our patients of how C-RP affects their body and their health. Statin drugs have not managed to lower C-RP, but through nutrition and vitamin therapy this inflammation marker, C-Reactive Protein, can be brought back to normal levels. Therefore reducing the inflammation in your vascular system.


Having your C-RP level checked is a great way to keep informed about your cardiovascular health. While we wait for science to determine the exact relationship between cardiovascular disease and periodontal disease, we can be certain that periodontal disease is a threat to overall health and should be treated as an illness not just a mouth problem. We do find that people with periodontal disease often have atherosclerosis. Periodontal disease most likely doesn't cause atherosclerosis, but it definitely can add insult to injury when treating and the prevention of cardiovascular disorders. If you think you may have a gum disease you should see a doctor to rule out a more serious condition. Periodontal disease could very well be a warning that something in your body is not working properly.


CoQ10 is a supplement that is highly recommended for vascular health. It has also shown to be effective in the treatment of gum disease. Regardless of which comes first the chicken or the egg, CoQ10 is a great weapon in the battle against atherosclerosis and oral health.


If you wish to have your C-RP levels checked, please call our office and ask for a Kessinger Panel. Our doctors can tell you huge amounts about your health from one simple blood test. We also offer a pharmaceutical grade CoQ10 supplement.