牙齿不健康增加患心血管疾病的风险_科技Science
tuesday, nov. 29 (healthday news) -- there's mounting evidence that brushing, flossing and regular dental checkups may be at the heart of good cardiovascular health.
"people who have chronic infections -- and gum disease is one of the major chronic infections -- are at increased risk later in life for atherosclerosis [hardening of the arteries] and coronary heart disease," said american heart association spokesman dr. richard stein, who is also director of preventive cardiology at beth israel medical center, in new york city.
the reason: chronic periodontal disease -- which is caused by a number of oral bacteria -- appears to set off an inflammatory process that exacerbates and contributes to the build-up of cholesterol-rich plaque on artery walls.
"people who have chronic infections -- and gum disease is one of the major chronic infections -- are at increased risk later in life for atherosclerosis [hardening of the arteries] and coronary heart disease," said american heart association spokesman dr. richard stein, who is also director of preventive cardiology at beth israel medical center, in new york city.
the reason: chronic periodontal disease -- which is caused by a number of oral bacteria -- appears to set off an inflammatory process that exacerbates and contributes to the build-up of cholesterol-rich plaque on artery walls.