A recent study has shown that tooth loss may be an early sign of heart disease and diabetes.
Many patients suffering from tooth loss have inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity, such as periodontal disease. According to the results of many studies, periodontal disease is associated with the development of heart disease and diabetes, which are not related to the groups of infectious diseases. Periodontal disease damages the tissues surrounding the teeth, which can lead to tooth loss, bleeding gums, and the formation of pathological gum pockets, in which bacteria can accumulate that can damage the heart muscle.
Finnish scientists from the University of Helsinki conducted a survey of 8,500 people aged 25 to 75 years. During the first stage of the study, the scientists noted the number of missing (fallen out) teeth in the participants. The second stage was conducted 13 years later, the scientists noted the number of patients who suffered a heart attack, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, the development of diabetes and patients with a fatal outcome.
Participants in the study were required to fill out a detailed questionnaire and undergo a clinical examination. The study proved that people suffering from tooth loss are at risk for cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, scientists have found that the degree of risk directly depends on the number of lost teeth. Patients with more than 5 missing teeth are at increased risk of developing coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction. The risk of developing these diseases in this group is 140% higher than in representatives of other groups of subjects.
Researcher John Liljestrand also noted that subjects with more than 9 lost teeth have a 51% risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, a 31% risk of developing diabetes, and a 37% risk of death. The risk of complete tooth loss in such patients is 40-60%. It is worth noting that the study did not establish a link between tooth loss and the risk of stroke.
The researchers hope that the results of the work will be useful to therapists who will be able to assess risk factors for the development of chronic diseases in patients with several lost teeth.