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Tooth loss is a ‘significant’ risk factor for dying of cardiovascular disease, study says
Look after your chompers, folks. Doing so could save you from heart disease. Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine have found significant evidence linking tooth loss to an increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease.
Whether its setting the water temperature to exactly the right level or opting for the exact right time of day to brush your teeth for optimum cleanliness, the dos and donts of dental care are everywhere you look. Trust us, weve looked. Few are studies linking tooth loss to actual ailments, however. Well, we found one.
Tooth loss is a predictive risk factor for cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an umbrella name for all sorts of conditions that affect your heart or circulation. Another name for it is heart and circulatory disease. It can include high blood pressure, stroke, and vascular dementia, according to the British Heart Foundation.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine found significant evidence linking tooth loss to an increased risk of death from CVD.
Moreover, those with several lost teeth face an even higher chance of dying from heart disease. Its worth stressing that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US responsible for around 700,000 deaths every year so the discovery ought to give us something to, you know, chew on.
That doesnt mean having bad teeth necessarily causes heart disease
However, it doesnt mean that theres a causal link between the two. This means one doesn’t necessarily cause the other. Anita Aminoshariae, the studys lead researcher, describes tooth loss as a predictive risk factor.
Our findings clearly show that tooth loss is not just a dental issue, but a significant predictor of cardiovascular disease mortality, she said.
Maintaining good oral health is essential, not only for a healthy smile but also for a healthy heart. This study underscores the importance of regular dental check-ups and preventive care to reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events.
The figures
Among the findings of the researchers literature review basically a look through all the relevant research that has already been done into the subject was that people with no teeth at all have a much higher risk of dying from CVD.
Those with fewer than 10 teeth dont fare well, either. In fact, Aminoshariae says, “the magic number is 10. For those who had 10 teeth or less, theyre in trouble.
People who have lost several teeth had a 66% higher chance of dying from heart-related issues, compared with people who hadnt lost teeth.
All sorts of things are risk factors for tooth loss. Some are within our control, such as never getting professional dental care, smoking, and not using a toothbrush, according to WebMD.
Others, such as having diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and high blood pressure, are less easy to influence, although possible in some cases.
- WHILE WE’VE GOT YOU: Dentist reveals six early warning signs of tooth decay
