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Gum disease linked to AFib

KMRobbo profile image
13 Replies

diabetes.co.uk/news/2023/fe...

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KMRobbo profile image
KMRobbo
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Paulbounce profile image
Paulbounce

A new study has found a link between the gum disease periodontitis and atrial fibrillation, a condition that can lead to an irregular heartbeat.

The Japanese research found that periodontitis is associated with atrial fibrillation, but the team said they have not yet proved if one leads to the other.

Rest assured it does Robbie. IMO opinion gum disease has a direct effect on the heart - I have no doubts about this at all. I can dig up the research to prove it. A daily mouth salt rinse should be on every afibbers 'to-do list'. Don't swallow any but spit it out - do this before cleaning your teeth and not after.

Paul

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer

My dentist was warning me of the proven link between gum disease and heart disease over 20 years ago - look in the dental research and you will find this finding is not so new.

dentistryiq.com/dental-hygi... From 2013.

in reply to CDreamer

Hiya CD,

Yeah, I've been on this Forum since 2010 ( and its previous host Yahoo) I remember BobD banging on about this connection many a time too.

John

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer in reply to

I remember that as well.

secondtry profile image
secondtry

Following AF diagnosis one of the lifestyle changes I made (and one of the reasons for being grateful to AF) was to improve my dental hygiene. I spent a fortune with the dentist and spend a lot more time each day working on my 'gnashers'. As a result very little trouble in my 60's from the teeth or AF. I needed the incentive to change my habits.

MarkS profile image
MarkS

Gum disease is also associated with Alzheimers, science.org/doi/10.1126/sci...

more strongly I would suggest than the amyloid theory some drug makers have been pushing.

meadfoot profile image
meadfoot

When I was in hospital first being diagnosed with Afib as it turned out one of the first questions I was asked by the cardiac consultant when taking my health history was if I had any gum disease and could he check my teeth. That was back in 2009. I was in my fifties and I attended dentist every six months and had three monthly hygienist apps as I had gum disease as a child.

In another subsequent hospital stay on a cardiac ward a man was in the next ward awaiting a dental app to remove all this terrible teeth before he could have his much needed heart op. They said his gum disease and rotten teeth had contributed to his heart issues.

Physalis profile image
Physalis

I had AF but no gum disease. I've still got all but one of my teeth.

KMRobbo profile image
KMRobbo in reply to Physalis

I have aome gum disease , thr milder form, but had an ablation which stopped the afib.Not sure what i make of that?

Physalis profile image
Physalis in reply to KMRobbo

My ablation stopped the AF too.

Dudtbin profile image
Dudtbin

they used to remove all teeth before a heart operation in case of dental infection regardless of condition of mouth. (I was a dental nurse for 40 years!)

Ppiman profile image
Ppiman

Over the years, I have seen quite a few reports similar to this, so that was interesting - thank you. I have also read there are doubts that the bacteria arises from the mouth, so it still seems to be unclear. I have to say it seems unlikely.

Steve

I think the meds we have to take are the culprits for our gum disease

I developed Lichen planus which my dentist said is due to Verapamil

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