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Twenty years ago, a groundbreaking study connected gum health to systemic inflammation.
In science, when findings hold up over time and across multiple studies, they become impossible to ignore. This 2003 study showed that periodontal disease directly raises CRP levels, a marker for inflammation in the body. High CRP is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and even some cancers.
Let me ask you: has your cardiologist or primary care doctor ever talked to you about how oral health affects the rest of your body?
They probably haven’t. That’s not their fault—it takes years for research to make its way into textbooks and training programs. But the science is clear, and it’s been clear for two decades.
That’s why I created the CRP Letter back in 2015, nearly ten years ago.
This letter was designed for patients like you to share with your doctors—your dentist and MD. It explains the connection between oral health and systemic inflammation, backed by research. Here’s how it works:
- Who it’s for: Patients with high CRP levels, heart disease, or inflammatory conditions.
- What it does: Educates doctors about oral-systemic links so they can better support your care.
- Why it matters: When dentists and MDs collaborate, you win. Better diagnoses. Better treatment. Better health outcomes.
The science has only gotten stronger since that 2003 study. Here are three more studies worth knowing about:
- 2022 Study: Found a clear relationship between periodontal therapy and reduced CRP levels. Treating gum disease lowers systemic inflammation.
- 2004 Study: Demonstrated that bacteria from gum disease enter the bloodstream, triggering an immune response that raises CRP levels.
- 2011 Study: Showed improved cardiovascular outcomes in patients who underwent gum disease treatment.
- 2022 Study: This study highlights that poor gum health is linked to increased inflammation and heart stress, suggesting that maintaining oral hygiene could help reduce the risk of heart failure.
- 2024 Study: This study found that gum disease is linked to higher levels of body-wide inflammation, suggesting that improving gum health may benefit overall health.
Are you seeing the pattern? The research keeps repeating itself. This isn’t a coincidence. It’s evidence.
What Can You Do?
- Share this newsletter with your doctor or dentist. Forward it. Print it. Bring it to your next appointment.
- Ask your doctor about your CRP levels. If they’re elevated, consider whether gum disease could be contributing.
- Take charge of your oral health. Brushing, flossing, and seeing a dentist who understands the oral-systemic link are critical.
I’m trying to bring MDs and dentists together on this issue, but I need your help. The more patients advocate for this connection, the faster we can bridge the gap.
Are you with me? Let’s make sure the next twenty years are different.
To your health,
Dr. B
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