A recent study published in Journal of Dental Research, held by the Indiana University School of Dentistry, evaluated a group of people with healthy gum tissue to study the differences between people with good and poor oral hygiene. The subjects were from various ethnic groups and included women and men. Black, male participants who neglected daily oral care showed a unique response. Those in this group who accumulated plaque were found to have a white blood cell response (neutrophils). When an infection exists in the body, neutrophils move from bone marrow to the affected part of the body as a defensive measure. A person with a high white blood cell count is at greater risk of heart attack. Researchers hope that the finding will help medical professionals identify patients at increased risk for heart attack.
SOURCE: www.ScienceDaily.com
Wahaidi et al. Neutrophil Response to Dental Plaque by Gender and Race. Journal of Dental Research, 2009; DOI: 10.1177/0022034509339019.
3 responses so far ↓
1 Dentist Richmond Hill // Oct 25, 2009 at 9:40 pm
This finding provides further support for the relationship between dental / periodontal health and heart disease.
2 Emergency Dental // Oct 28, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Many cardiologists and physicans are now aware of the significance of poor periodontal health and effects on the heart.
3 Colleen A Watson DDS // Oct 29, 2009 at 7:58 am
It’s nice to see people are linking this link. As a victim of Lyme disease (which is also a spirochete like the bacteria that cause periodontal disease) I think the link goes beyond high white blood cell counts. Perhaps the spirochetes deposit on the arteries causing addtional or premature plaque buildup.
Just a thought.
Dr. Watson has a dental office with aPeriodontal Dentist in Westchester NY.
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