Yes, like 48% of French people*, you are terrified at the idea of going to the Dentiste, this may be the information that will convince you to overcome your phobia: people who suffer from dental problems are 2.7 times more likely to contract acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The heart, the teeth … Everything is linked!
The study was carried out by researchers at the University of Helsinki (Finland) on a total of 508 volunteers with heart problems, whose average age was 62 years. Using medical imaging techniques on the blood vessels (angiography) and on the jaw (panoramic tomography), the researchers were able to observe the health of the participants.
Results ? 33% of the volunteers suffered from acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This health problem is characterized by a sudden reduction in the blood supply to the heart: heart attack and stable angina are the two most common ACS.
A poorly treated cavity = a possible inflammatory lesion
Of these, 58% also suffered from apical periodontitis (AP), an invisible but very common dental problem: it is an inflammatory lesion that affects the root of the tooth – the deep periodontium, more precisely. However, the most common cause of apical periodontitis is … caries poorly cared for.
“We noticed that ACS were 2.7 times more frequent in people with apical periodontitis”, explains John Liljestrand, main author of this work, published in the journal Journal of Dental Research. Fortunately, these inflammatory lesions are easily detectable with X-rays. However, when we have toothache, better to go see a health professional quickly before the problem gets worse … “Message received!
Does the thought of going to a dentist always give you a cold sweat? How about trying medical hypnosis to tame your stress?
* Opinion Way survey, March 2016
