Recent research has looked into the possibility of Statins being used in the treatment of Gum Disease. Statins are known for helping arteries by lowering cholesterol levels. However, the researchers looked to see if statins could help with gum disease, which is a debilitating condition with few treatment options available. Therefore, this research could be very useful.
Statins are a well-known class of medicines that are primarily used to lower the level of cholesterol in the blood. They have helped many people to avoid heart or blood related conditions.
However, new research has suggested that statins could also be used in the treatment of Gum Disease [1]. This is an unexpected finding, but one that has excited researchers.
With gum disease being so widespread, having any additional form of treatment to assist can be very helpful and is widely encouraged.
Background
Statins are a group of medicines that help to lower the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood – which is known as “bad cholesterol” [2].
Having a high level of LDL cholesterol causes a narrowing of the arteries and often results in Cardiovascular Disease. Therefore, this leaves a person vulnerable to heart attacks, a stroke, and heart disease among other areas [2].
Statins are viewed as a crucial medicine, but have not been linked to treating oral health conditions before. The condition that the research team were looking into was gum disease.
Gum disease is a condition which involves the gums becoming red, swollen and sore [3]. Furthermore, the gums often become inflamed, which often causes pain.
Gum disease is very common. It develops gradually over time, and there are limited treatment options. Therefore, having any extra treatment is helpful.
The Research
The research was carried out by a team from the Medical University of South Carolina. Their findings were published in the Cells journal [1].
The research involved the use of an in vitro model, which means they experimented with cells outside of a living organism [1].
The model had the specific conditions of gum disease added to it to try and make the study as life-like as possible. Then, the researchers introduced statins to the model [1].
The researchers then monitored how the model reacted. They were looking at a range of areas, and seeing which parts of the model changed.
The researchers found that statins altered the behavior and modified the response of a type of immune cell called macrophages [1].
Macrophages play an important role in helping the body to fight off infections. However, depending on the phase of immune response, they can sometimes worsen inflammation [1].
When the statins took effect, the macrophages were affected. A statin called Simvastatin was used, which led to the macrophage’s inflammatory response being suppressed [1]. Therefore, the inflammatory response was modified to lessen levels of inflammation.
In doing so, the team were able to confirm that statins reduced inflammation on the model [1]. Given how gum disease’s main symptom is inflammation, this is a key finding.
The researchers also suggested that statins have the potential to be immunomodulatory – which means that they can change the immune system to work more effectively [1].
Summary
These are positive results, and suggest that statins could be used in the future in the treatment of gum disease. Specifically, their impact on macrophages was very positive.
Looking ahead to the future, the authors have suggested that the next step is to study the impact of statins on periodontal disease in animal models [4].
Therefore, this can help them to see if this could be effective for human use. If this goes to plan, then human trials would be likely to follow.
Overall, these are interesting findings that could potentially have a positive long-term impact on the treatment of gum disease. While there are many steps ahead, this is an exciting finding.
Thinking points…
[1] So many people have gum disease, but it is preventable. Looking after our gums is important. Eating healthily and avoiding irritants to the gum like smoking or a high-sugar diet can be helpful. Another thing that you can do to help is to attend a regular dental check-up appointment, as this will provide a dentist with the chance to spot any signs of gum disease. We recommend booking an appointment soon!
[2] While the use of statins for gum disease is an exciting prospect, it is important to note that it is unlikely to receive approval to be offered soon. With this in mind, if you have gum disease then you may want to explore alternative treatment options. For example, you could look into root planing or scaling. When you next see your dentist, you could have a discussion with them then regarding treatment options.
What we offer at Taradale Dental
Taradale Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. At our Calgary dental clinic, we provide a range of services for our patients.
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary dental clinic at least twice per year for a regular dental check-up. At these check-ups, we provide a comprehensive review of a patient’s oral health. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For example, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To strengthen your oral health, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.
Here at Taradale Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, teeth whitening and Invisalign[TM]! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
Moreover, the fees of our treatments at our Calgary dental clinic Taradale Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing, with no hidden costs.
We hope to see you soon at our Taradale Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://taradaledental.ca/!
References
[1] Alkakhan, W., Farrar, N., Sikora, V., Emecen-Huja, P., Huja, S. S., Yilmaz, O., & Pandruvada, S. N. (2023). Statins Modulate Microenvironmental Cues Driving Macrophage Polarization in Simulated Periodontal Inflammation. Cells. 12 (15): 1961. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/cells12151961.
[2] NHS. (2022). Statins. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/statins/. Last accessed: 27th March 2024.
[3] NHS. (2022). Gum disease. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gum-disease/. Last accessed: 27th March 2024.
[4] American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. (2024). Study suggests statins could help fight gum disease. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-03-statins-gum-disease.html. Last accessed: 27th March 2024.
