TUCSON, Jul 14, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Studies linking gum and heart diseases
have spurred U.S. dentists and doctors to work together, cardiologists and
dentists said.
Cardiologist Dr. Marvin J. Slepian of Tucson, Ariz., and Neil R. Gottehrer of
Havertown, Pa.., a dentist, lead an all-day session together on ways dentists
could work more closely with doctors to develop proactive management of
periodontal disease treatment plans -- including non-surgical options at the
annual meeting of the Academy of General Dentistry in Baltimore.
"It is critical for all dentists and physicians to collaborate in helping
patients reduce inflammation, which can become a target factor for
cardiovascular disease," Slepian said in a statement.
Gum disease -- or periodontal disease -- is a basic inflammation and infection
of the gums caused by bacterial plaque -- a sticky, colorless film, which forms
on the teeth and can harden into a rough porous substance releasing bacterial
toxins.
The subsequent breakdown of the fibers that hold the gums tightly to the teeth
and the progress of toxins and bacteria down the tooth may cause the bone
keeping the tooth in place to break down. This, in turn, may cause the tooth to
fall out, the researchers said.
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