Aspirin benefits in gum disease
26 October, 2000
A study to be published later this year in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology has found that individuals aged over 50, particularly ex-smokers, may benefit from taking low-doses of aspirin daily to reduce their risk of gum disease.
One of the study’s authors, Dr Robert Hirsch from the University of Adelaide says the study was carried out over one year, and said that previous studies had looked into the very high doses of aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents and their effects on periodontal disease. These studies had showed a beneficial effect, he said, but at a high cost because of the side effects associated with high drug doses.
The study looked at 392 men aged 50 years and over from the general population. Subjects were included in the study if they had a minimum of 6 or more natural teeth, took aspirin (300mg or less per day) for at least 2 years and were either ex- or non-smokers. The control subjects did not take aspirin regularly.
'We found that aspirin apparently had a protective association on periodontal attachment loss (PAL), and it is hypothesised that low-dose aspirin may have reduced the rate of attachment loss,' said Dr Hirsch.
PAL was calculated from periodontal pocket depth, which is the depth of the gap between the gum and the surface of a tooth, and measurement of gum recession.
'If our findings are confirmed, low-dose aspirin could be added to the range of treatments for severe periodontitis; indeed it would be unique because it may act to reduce susceptibility to periodontal breakdown.
'It may also act to prevent breakdown of bone around the teeth, but this needs to be confirmed in future studies,' concluded Dr Hirsch.
However, remember aspirin is not suitable for everybody and can have some potential side effects in some people. Your doctor is the best person to offer advice about the suitability of any medication.
Last Reviewed: 26 October 2000
