Tooth Loss May Signal Serious Heart Problems
A recent review highlights a connection between oral health and cardiovascular health, suggesting that maintaining good dental hygiene is crucial for a healthy heart. Researchers have found that individuals who experience tooth loss are at a greater risk of dying from heart disease, with the risk increasing with the number of missing teeth.
Dr. Anita Aminoshariae, the lead researcher and a professor at Case Western Reserve University’s School of Dental Medicine, emphasized that tooth loss is more than just a dental concern—it is a significant indicator of cardiovascular disease risk. She stressed the importance of regular dental visits and preventive care in reducing the risk of serious heart conditions.
The review combined data from 12 prior studies to examine the link between tooth loss and heart-related mortality. The findings indicate that people who have lost several teeth face a 66% higher risk of cardiovascular death compared to those with intact teeth. The risk is even greater for those who have lost all their teeth.
Published in the Journal of Endodontics, the study suggests that the risk of heart-related death begins to rise significantly when individuals have lost 10 or more teeth. According to Aminoshariae, having 10 or fewer teeth is a critical threshold that greatly increases cardiovascular risk.
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