March 20th is World Oral Health Day, and in recognition of this our post today will examine the relationship between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease in post-menopausal women.

Statistics from the CDC indicate that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S., accounting for nearly 1 in 4 female deaths. It is estimated that heart disease costs the U.S. about $200 billion annually.

For this study, researchers enrolled 57,000 females from the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study, between the years 1993-1998. The women were from 40 health centers nationwide, between the ages of 50 to 79. The participants periodontal status was assessed by a questionnaire at five years. There was also annual follow-up through 2010.

Results of the study demonstrated that total mortality risk was significantly higher in women with either edentualism or periodontitis. Also, women who were edentulous had a significantly higher risk of coronary vascular disease and coronary heart disease. These higher risks held even after data was adjusted for potential confounding factors.

This is a very robust study- a large group of post-menopausal women, a cohort that is generally underrepresented in medical research. Given the results of the study, good oral hygiene may be worthy of consideration as a way to potentially lower risk of cardiovascular disease later in life.

On World Oral Health Day, please remember to thank your dentist and hygienist for all their efforts on behalf of your health!

“You don’t have to brush your teeth- just the ones you want to keep.”– Anonymous

(Source- Journal of the American Heart Association, 2017)

This bog is a review of published medical and scientific literature, and should only be used for informational purposes. It does not constitute medical or health advice, nor does it create a physician-patient relationship with anyone. Discuss any health concerns with your personal physician.