Researchers at the University of Kiel reveal the presence of a common genetic mutation in both patients having periodontitis or gum disease and those having suffered a heart attack. The study was presented at the annual conference of the European Society of Human Genetics being held in Vienna.

The link between gum disease and coronary heart disease (CHD) is now new. Scientists have proved that both have the same risk factors including diabetes and smoking. The bacteria present in gum disease as well as in artery plaques are also common.

Lead researcher Dr Arne Schaefer said they focused on genetic locus on chromosome 9p21.3 in the study, which involved 151 people suffering from early-onset forms of periodontitis and  a group of 1,097 CHD patients who had already had a heart attack.

The genetic findings were further confirmed in 180 periodontitis patients and 1,100 CHD patients. "Because of its association with coronary heart disease, periodontitis should be taken very seriously by dentists and treated as early as possible," Dr Schaefer pointed out.

The exact mechanism behind the link between gum disease and heart attack is not clear. Researchers have theorized that the bacteria in gum disease trigger minor inflammation throughout the body and in some way alter the dynamics of blood circulation in the heart. Another theory is that these bacteria may attach themselves to artery walls causing fat deposit and this narrowing of the blood vessels.

Gum disease is of two basic types, gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the earliest form of the disease where the gums become swollen and bleed easily. Inadequate oral hygiene is the main cause of this condition, but dental procedures like scaling take care of the disease.

Periodontitis is an advanced form of the disease, where the gums separate from the tooth causing pocket formation where food can lodge easily. This leads to further inflammation and eventually the tooth is lost. Periodontal disease is the number one cause of tooth loss and as the above study says it needs to be taken seriously in order to maintain good oral as well as heart health.