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Floss Every Day to Protect Against Pneumonia and Heart Disease, UB Researchers Say
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EXPERT CONTACT :
Dr. Robert J. Genco UB Distinguished Professor and Vice Provost University at Buffalo Office of Science, Technology Transfer and Economic Outreach |
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EXPERT CONTACT :
Dr. Ali A. El Sohl Research Professor of Social and Preventive Medicine University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences |
To schedule an interview with El Solh or Genco, contact Sara Saldi in the Office of University Communications at 716-645-4593 or saldi@buffalo.edu.
Good oral hygiene may help prevent pneumonia and heart disease, according to two UB researchers. A study done by UB professor of medicine, Ali A. El Solh, MD, indicates that periodontal microbes are a possible reservoir for recurrent lower respiratory tract infections in nursing home residents.
And research done by UB Distinguished Professor and Vice Provost Robert J. Genco, DDS, shows a strong association between periodontal microbes and non-fatal heart attacks.
El Solh’s research, published in the academic journal Lung, shows that the control of gingivitis and dental plaques has been effective in reducing the rate of pneumonia, but the provision of dental care for those in nursing homes is inadequate.
“Pneumonia remains the leading cause of death attributable to infection in patients aged 65 and older and accounts for 13 to 48 percent of infections in the nursing home setting with mortality rates as high as 55 percent,” he says.
Development of an individualized oral health care plan for elderly in long-term care facilities will enable early identification and prevention of known risk factor for pneumonia, he says. “It is equally important that oral hygiene is maintained throughout the stay of the resident,” he adds. “Further studies are needed to determine the optimal method and frequency of treatment.”
Genco’s study was published in Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. A pioneer in research showing the effect of oral bacterial on health, Genco is co-editor "Periodontal Disease and Overall Health: A Clinician's Guide," a new textbook that features 18 chapters of information regarding the relationship between oral and systemic diseases.
“There is strong evidence for an association of periodontal disease and heart disease,” he explains. “Recent studies show that by reducing periodontal disease, many of the factors associated with increased heart disease are reduced.
“So it is reasonable to recommend daily oral hygiene as a measure not only to prevent tooth loss, but also it may reduce risk for heart disease.”
View El Solh’s and Genco’s studies:
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Summer heat is an added stress for elderly people, especially those with heart disease, says Chair of the UB Department of Medicine, a leading cardiologist
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EXPERT CONTACT :
Dr. Anne B. Curtis Chair, Department of Medicine UB School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences 716-898-4328 |
“When someone has heart disease, the heat is an added stress,” says Anne B. Curtis, MD, Charles and Mary Bauer Professor and Chair of the University at Buffalo Department of Medicine in the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. “In hot weather, the heart rate tends to go higher anyway, and individuals who have experienced heart failure or coronary artery disease, may experience more symptoms in extreme temperatures.”
In addition, she says, the elderly are more likely to be taking medications for various reasons, which can also complicate how they react to heat. For example, they may be taking a beta blocker, which slows the heart rate. “In extreme heat, the blood vessels will dilate because the body is trying to get rid of the heat. That’s why someone’s face will flush and blood will pool in their legs. That’s why people start feeling lightheaded. That’s actually a good warning sign. If someone starts feeling lightheaded and thirsty, they should immediately stop what they are doing, go indoors to air conditioning and start drinking fluids.
“In more severe cases, the person will get nauseated and in the most extreme cases, they will stop sweating and may become delirious. In those cases, the body needs to be iced down right away. That’s when it becomes a medical emergency.”
Curtis says that when working outside for extended periods in heat, it is important for older adults, especially those with heart disease, to immediately treat any symptoms of lightheadedness by drinking fluids and getting to a cool, preferably air-conditioned, environment.
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