Dentist in Moonee Ponds warns of risks associated with hidden tooth infections

Is there something very dangerous hidden in your teeth? According to a new study from the University of Helsinki, the answer could be, “yes.” Infections at the tips of teeth are strongly associated with heart disease, according to researchers.

About the study

More than 500 adults with heart problems were analysed. First, researchers performed coronary testing followed by dental and periodontal evaluation. Signs of root tip infection (apical periodontitis) were found in more than half of the patients.

Findings, which were published in Journal of Dental Research included:

• Patients with root tip infection are more likely to have coronary artery disease or acute coronary syndrome.
• The link is the strongest among untreated patients in need of root canal therapy, who were 2.7 times more likely to suffer from coronary artery disease.
• The likelihood of coronary disease was just as high for patients with symptomless infections as those with symptomatic infections.

What does this mean to you?

Authors of the study believe that their findings establish root tip infection (apical periodontitis) as a risk factor for coronary disease. This adds to a rapidly growing body of evidence supporting the connection between oral and systemic health. It also highlights the importance of preventive care and regular dental checkups.

Hidden infections are among the problems that can only be discovered through diagnostic procedures. You may not feel any pain, or see any difference on the surface. However, the trained eye of a dentist or hygienist can spot subtle visual clues. X-rays will show substructure damage, even if there are no visual clues on the surface.

Your routine dental checkup is more important than you might think. If you are overdue for an exam, please call Smile in Style who have the best dentists in Moonee Ponds and Sunbury who understand these dangers on 03 8400 4104 Moonee Ponds or 03 8001 6021 Sunbury or book online http://www.smileinstyle.com.au/ to schedule an appointment.