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January 5, 2009

TAKING THE PROBLEM OF PLAQUE TO HEART

Oral Health Important to Heart-Healthy Lifestyles

 

February 11, 2004 - LISLE, Ill. Taking care of oral bacteria may be an important way to take care of your heart, but one that is often overlooked. Recent studies indicate that oral bacteria associated with periodontal disease, an advanced form of gingivitis, might promote the buildup of artery-clogging plaque. Clogged arteries can in turn lead to heart attack.

 Taking care of oral bacteria may be an important way to take care of your heart, but one that is often overlooked. Recent studies indicate that oral bacteria associated with periodontal disease, an advanced form of gingivitis, might promote the buildup of artery-clogging plaque. Clogged arteries can in turn lead to heart attack.

"When it comes to maintaining or trying to enhance heart health, oral health should be part of the plan," says Dr. Katina Morelli, DDS, Dental Director for Delta Dental Plan of Illinois (DDPIL). "In addition to diet, exercise and other lifestyle factors, maintaining oral health may be another contributor to heart health, one that's more important than people know."

As a not-for-profit organization, DDPIL is not only a dental insurer, but also has a strong commitment to the community and oral health education. February is American Heart Month, a unique time to underscore the importance of regular, preventive dental care because it may improve chances for positive outcomes in heart-related health.

As part of American Heart Month, the American Heart Association hosted a "Go Red For Women" luncheon Tuesday, February 10. Cardiovascular disease claims nearly 500,000 women's lives a year. The fundraising luncheon was designed to bring attention to the threat of heart disease to women.

Carol Parlin, a 12-year DDPIL veteran and current director for TruAssure, a subsidiary of DDPIL, knows something about women and heart disease. Parlin has a genetic heart condition and had heart surgery less than one year ago. She has been selected to participate in a panel discussion during the luncheon entitled "The Faces of Heart Disease."

"When my cardiologist asked me if I would be interested in participating in the luncheon, I didn't hesitate," says Parlin. "With a family history of heart disease and a heart condition myself, I know the significant role education and awareness play in identifying, treating and managing cardiovascular disease. Heart disease is the Number 1 killer among women; I am committed to all awareness and research efforts that empower women, men and their families to educate themselves about heart disease."

In the past few years, the mouth's central role in general health has been covered in news reports and the landmark Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General (2000). Research indicates that the mouth can affect and be affected by the body's other organs. Oral bacteria can spread from the mouth to other organs, complicating existing health problems or increasing the risks for new ones. While more research must be done to determine conclusively the pathways by which oral bacteria migrate in the body and affect overall health, taking oral health seriously is a prudent way to improve chances for positive outcomes in heart-related health.

"It's important to know the steps you can take to reduce the threat of cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association is certainly doing its part to educate women and the general population about heart disease," says Dr. Morelli. "Looking closely at the mouth's effect on the rest of the body has led to some very useful recommendations for managing disease, and is likely to lead to more. It's always the case that preventive dental care can't hurt. And in the case of heart health, following a few preventive measures, such as brushing and flossing every day and visiting your dentist regularly, might help more than you think."

DDPIL is a not-for-profit dental service corporation specializing in providing comprehensive, easy-to-use and cost-effective benefits to over one million employees and family members in more than 3,000 employee groups throughout Illinois. Based in Lisle, Ill., DDPIL offers an array of extensive nationwide network-based managed fee-for-service, PPO and dental HMO plans.