Dentistry and dental health have been making major news headlines in the past couple of weeks.

On Wednesday, a new report published in Circulation, a journal of the American Heart Association, found that there is no convincing evidence proving that gum disease causes heart disease or stroke, or that treating gum disease reduces the risk of those diseases. The report was based on an extensive review conducted by a panel of cardiologists, dentists and infectious disease specialists, who looked more than 500 journal articles and studies.

The American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs agreed with the conclusion, saying, “Although there is a body of research showing that gum disease is associated with several health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes; just because two conditions are associated with each other does not mean that one causes the other. Both heart disease and gum disease share common risk factors, such as smoking and diabetes, which play a role in the development of both diseases.”

However, it is important to note that this new report does not discount or minimize the importance of maintaining good oral health. Despite the fact that the committee found no causal link between gum disease and heart disease, the fact remains that keeping your teeth and gums healthy is important for your overall health.

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that support the teeth and is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. To avoid gum disease and maintain good oral health (including prevention of tooth decay or cavities), the ADA recommends the following:

• Brush teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.
• Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner.
• Eat a balanced diet, limit between-meal snacks.
• Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams

© 2012, Arwinder Judge, DDS. All rights reserved.