HOW HEART HEALTH IS LINKED TO
PERIODONTAL DISEASE
A recent study published in the journal Infection and Immunity further confirmed the link between periodontal disease and heart health. Many patients somehow disassociate their oral health from their overall health, but the two are inextricably connected, which means you need to make sure your mouth is being taken care of! A Swedish team of investigators at the Department of Clinical Medicine in the School of Health Science at Orebro University studied this phenomenon, finding that periodontitis is linked to heart disease because of a specific pathogen called Porphyromonas gingivalis. This pathogen actually causes changes in gene expression, which boosts both inflammation and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) in aortic smooth muscle cells. In other words, the pathogen that’s proliferated by periodontal disease has a direct impact on heart health! P. gingivalis has been found in the coronary artery plaques of heart attack patients, like a criminal hanging around the scene of the crime. And in animal models, researchers have seen P. gingivalis cause and accelerate the formation of atherosclerosis in the heart.
Allowing periodontal disease to go untreated can lead to serious complications that affect your overall health. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease.
So, if you have bleeding, tender or inflamed gums, it’s a good idea to get the situation scoped out by your dentist. While periodontal
disease clearly causes pain and discomfort in the mouth, it has even more life-threatening effects to contend with if you’re not careful. Prevention is key, so nip those
periodontal problems in the bud!
As problematic as bad oral health is, it’s important to realize that the mouth doesn’t exist independently of the rest of the body.
SENSATIONAL SUMMER SALAD It’s officially the season of salads, and fruit salads are summer’s specialty! Enjoy this tasty dish as a side or main course. For some added protein, toss in a handful of slivered almonds or chopped pecans.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 pound strawberries, thinly sliced • 3 medium peaches, thinly sliced • 1 cup blueberries • 1 heaping tablespoon fresh basil or mint, chopped • 2 tablespoons lemon juice • 1 tablespoon maple syrup • 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
INSTRUCTIONS
1. In a medium serving bowl, combine the strawberries, peaches, blueberries, and basil. 2. Drizzle lemon juice, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar on top. 3. Gently toss to combine. 4. Serve immediately, or chill for later.
Recipe inspired by CookieAndKate.com.
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