periodontitis

Periodontal bacteria trigger bone density reduction via the gut

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Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the gums, affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide and is increasingly linked to systemic disorders beyond the oral cavity. Epidemiological studies have long suggested an association between periodontitis and osteoporosis, particularly in postmenopausal women, yet the biological mechanisms connecting these conditions have remained unclear. Growing evidence indicates that … Read more

Childhood cavities and gum disease raise adult heart disease risk

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A national study suggests that cavities and gum disease in childhood may echo decades later in the arteries, reinforcing the idea that protecting young smiles could also help safeguard lifelong heart health. Study: Childhood oral health is associated with the incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Image credit: PeopleImages/Shutterstock.com Oral disease in adults is … Read more

Gum disease bacterium linked to increased risk of atrial fibrillation

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Tempted to skip the floss? Your heart might thank you if you don’t. A new study from Hiroshima University (HU) finds that the gum disease bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) can slip into the bloodstream and infiltrate the heart. There, it quietly drives scar tissue buildup-known as fibrosis-distorting the heart’s architecture, interfering with electrical signals, and raising … Read more

Preventing IBD by Promoting Oral Health

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This transcript has been edited for clarity.  Hello. I’m Dr David Johnson, professor of medicine and chief of gastroenterology at Eastern Virginia Medical School and of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.  Why is the oral microbiome important? As a gastroenterologist, why do I talk to my patients about it and recommend that you do … Read more

Can your teeth affect brain health? Expert reveals how dental issues may lead to serious conditions like Alzheimer’s | Health

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Taking care of your teeth is essential for more than just preventing cavities and gum diseases. Some dental diseases have been linked to cognitive decline, memory loss, and even conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Your oral health could have a greater impact on your brain than you might realise. Proper dental care is important for optimal … Read more