Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentistry

Periodontal Disease and Genetics

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Earlier this year the European Society of Human Genetics announced that a genetic link between gum disease and hear disease had been discovered.

At first glance, this doesn't seem like 'new' news. The link between periodontal disease and the heart has been known for some time now and you all have read my previous blogs on this issue.

What makes this news different is that the German scientists conducting the study discovered an identical genetic variant for both diseases. 'We studied a genetic locus on chromosome 9p21.3 that had previously been identified to be associated with myocardial infarction [heart attack], in a group of 151 patients suffering from the most aggressive, early-onset forms of periodontitis, and a group of 1,097 CHD patients who had already had a heart attack. The genetic variation associated with the clinical pictures of both diseases was identical,' according to Dr. Arne Schaefer in an ESHG news release.

Periodontitis (gum disease) needs to be taken very seriously by both the dentist and the patient. Early diagnosis and treatment can not only save your teeth, but could help save your life.

Remember, you can reduce your risk of both heart disease and gum disease. Smoking, diabetes and obesity are all risk factors for both diseases. For more information about keeping your gums healthy call us today at 561-394-9000.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.