from Journal of Oral Science
You expect your dentist to advocate for brushing and flossing regularly, but not many of us would expect the same advice from a cardiologist. Yet, there is more evidence that the pathogen that causes gingivitis is linked to heart disease. Japanese researchers found a component of p.gingivalis interferes with the natural process by which the heart rids itself of damaged ccllular material. The resulting accumulation may cause cardiac dysfunction and, ultimately a heart attack. Authors of the article in the International Journal of Oral Science say that given P. gingivalis appears to have a substantial impact on the heart muscle’s ability to health itself after a heart attack, treating this common oral infection could help reduce the risk of a fatal heart attack.