Nagpur: Dentists at the Government Dental College and Hospital (GDCH) are conducting a new study to investigate a possible connection between gum disease and heart infections. This survey coincides with National Dentist Day, celebrated annually on March 6.
A team of gum specialists (periodontists) at GDCH will lead the project, which aims to understand whether gum disease, also known as periodontitis, can increase the risk of heart infections such as bacterial endocarditis.
“We already know that the same bacteria known as ‘strep bacteria’ can cause both gum disease and a type of heart infection called bacterial endocarditis,” explained Dr Abhay Datarkar, dean of GDCH.
“While global research suggests a Link among these conditions, we want to see how many patients with gingivitis actually develop heart infections,” he added.
He emphasized the importance of this research, stating, “This work will take time, but it has the potential to be groundbreaking.”
We already know that poor gum health in mothers is associated with preterm and low birth weight births. This new study could establish a clearer link between gum disease and heart infections in the general population. If the study finds that treating gingivitis reduces the risk of heart infections, it could have a major impact on public health.
The team chose this topic because of the high prevalence of gum disease. “Nearly 60% of the population suffers from some level of gum disease,” claimed Dr Vaibhav Karemore from the GDCH periodontology department.
“Unfortunately, many people only visit the dentist when their gum disease is advanced, causing bleeding gums and loose teeth. This is because gum disease often progresses silently and painlessly,” he explained.
Dr. Karemore emphasized the importance of early treatment. “We see at least 50 patients with gingivitis every day. While treatment can take two to six months depending on the severity, it is important to remember that gum disease is treatable. Our research aims to determine whether early treatment can help prevent future heart complications,” he said.
On the National Dentist Day, the doctors from GGDY also gave valuable advice on maintaining good oral health. “Don’t ignore dental problems. Early detection and treatment can prevent complications and improve overall health,” said Dr Datarkar.
A team of gum specialists (periodontists) at GDCH will lead the project, which aims to understand whether gum disease, also known as periodontitis, can increase the risk of heart infections such as bacterial endocarditis.
“We already know that the same bacteria known as ‘strep bacteria’ can cause both gum disease and a type of heart infection called bacterial endocarditis,” explained Dr Abhay Datarkar, dean of GDCH.
“While global research suggests a Link among these conditions, we want to see how many patients with gingivitis actually develop heart infections,” he added.
He emphasized the importance of this research, stating, “This work will take time, but it has the potential to be groundbreaking.”
We already know that poor gum health in mothers is associated with preterm and low birth weight births. This new study could establish a clearer link between gum disease and heart infections in the general population. If the study finds that treating gingivitis reduces the risk of heart infections, it could have a major impact on public health.
The team chose this topic because of the high prevalence of gum disease. “Nearly 60% of the population suffers from some level of gum disease,” claimed Dr Vaibhav Karemore from the GDCH periodontology department.
“Unfortunately, many people only visit the dentist when their gum disease is advanced, causing bleeding gums and loose teeth. This is because gum disease often progresses silently and painlessly,” he explained.
Dr. Karemore emphasized the importance of early treatment. “We see at least 50 patients with gingivitis every day. While treatment can take two to six months depending on the severity, it is important to remember that gum disease is treatable. Our research aims to determine whether early treatment can help prevent future heart complications,” he said.
On the National Dentist Day, the doctors from GGDY also gave valuable advice on maintaining good oral health. “Don’t ignore dental problems. Early detection and treatment can prevent complications and improve overall health,” said Dr Datarkar.
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