Gum Disease
The myth is debunked!
That's how the Telegraph (a UK newspaper) described a new gum disease study.
A panel of U.S. heart experts says that gum disease does not cause heart disease.
As I've mentioned before, gum disease is a bacterial infection and inflammation of the gums and bones that support your teeth. Past studies revealed a greater risk of heart disease in gum disease patients.
In the new study, researchers compared dozens of studies. They concluded that no evidence shows that gum disease actually causes heart disease.
They also noted that the "false message" spreads alarm among gum disease patients.
Alarm? That's a good thing! Gum disease SHOULD sound an alarm. The disease may not cause heart problems, but it's a serious red flag.
Gum disease patients are nearly twice as likely to develop artery disease. Studies have already established that. In addition, these patients have an increased risk of metabolic syndrome. And two years ago, a study found a consistent link between gum disease and higher risk of head and neck cancer.
None of this research proves that gum disease causes these conditions. So if a myth of causation exists, then yes, that's been debunked. But that shouldn't lull anyone into false comfort about this serious condition.
Source: HSI