Apparently there's a reduction in AF development of about 30% in those who go to the hygienist once a year and 65% in those who go twice or more a year.
It might be too late for those who already have AF. But if you're going for an ablation, if you want to remain AF free it would seem to make a lot of sense to get your teeth really clean and get rid of gum disease.
Written by
MarkS
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Interesting study. There has long been a link between heart disease and periodontal health, though this is the first I've read that links it to a rhythm disorder specifically vs. infection that weakens the heart. Flossing every day is part of good habits to prevent heart disease, as well as the obvious gum disease. I've gone to the dentist for preventative care every 6 months of my entire life, never once missing a visit so unfortunately that was not the magic key for preventing AF for me. But it does always make sense to take great care of teeth and gums.
Wow how interesting, my teeth have appeared to get fairly bad since I was diagnosed, and I do not pretend to be the best toothcare person in the world solely a twice daily brush. But they have discoloured over the last 3 months and I thought this might be down to the drugs. But now I am relatievely warfarin stable, probably a good idea to go down to the dentist
Hi Mark, see you are over here as well. I do know about dental health and heart problems like endocarditis as there was a young lad in hospital opposite me who had a major problem following a botched wisdom tooth extraction but I can't quite understand how it could affect AF either.. Hello MKB I'm. getting used to it.
Yes, Bob, I'm getting used to this site as well. First views are that it is very good and seems to do all I would want.
I find the connection between dental health and heart disease very interesting. It could be either (or both) inflammation or the same disease affecting both. I know that the bacteria that causes gum disease has been found in heart tissue.
My dentist is very interested in this as well so I must email him the AF study.
MKB, I've kept my teeth pretty clean as well. It is only in the last 4 years that I have had 6 monthly hygienist visits however. Perhaps we were just unlucky. I do have AF elsewhere in the family.
The link between dental health and heart disease is another tenuous link. its much more likely that people with poor tooth health will have less healthy life styles. high sugar consumption, alcohol, coffee, tea, cigarette all damage teeth and they also damage your heart. also people who cant be bothered to clean their teeth probably cant be bothered to excercise either. as for a link to a.f we all know the key problem is diet cafeine sugar large meals all contribute to bouts of a.f our time would be best served finding our personal trigger and erasing from our diet..
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