The extent and severity of inflammatory gum disease is closely related to heart attack severity, new research published in the Journal of Dental Research suggests.

“Chronic periodontitis appears as a "death risk factor", and it plays an important role in the prognosis of acute myocardial infarction (MI),” according to a recent study from the University of Grenada, Spain.

However, follow-up checks are needed to monitor for any new coronary events, cardiac failure, or death among the participants, according to the research team.

If that happens to be the case, chronic periodontitis should be considered as a predictor in the development of MI, and be therefore included in the risk scores for better understanding whether those patients may actually have a higher incidence of fatality from heart attack.

PMW

Dr. Philip M. Walton DDS, MMSc, FRCD(C)

US Board Certified, Diplomate of Periodontics