Hypothesis Identification Article Analysis

The American Academy of Peridontology, an association who works to educate the public and dental health professionals, has been researching links between good periodontal health and the bodies overall health in general. This theory is not exclusive to this group; they are however, furthering research in specific areas. A correlation between periodontal disease and coronary artery disease is receiving considerable attention in the healthcare community. The theory was further refined by Professor E.H. Rompen "One hypothesis is that periodontal pathogens could enter the bloodstream, invade the blood vessel walls and ultimately cause atherosclerosis." (Bell, 2006). This hypothesis is only one of many such connections, regardless; researchers must ask these types of hypothesis questions to further isolate and prove or disprove the base theory in general.

Practical Use of the Hypothesis Statement

To most non-healthcare professions this type of question is daunting, if not confusing. However, the methodology of researching key factors by collecting information, statistically analyzing, and making a mathematical conclusion is universal. In this particular study, 108 subjects were evaluated for both known gum and coronary artery diseases. The control group was comprised of 62 subjects with nominal coronary arteries, as compared to the 46 subjects with verified poor arteries. The results according to Professor Rompen: "We found that 91% of patients with cardiovascular disease suffered from moderate to severe peritonitis, while that proportion was 66% in the non-cardiac patients." (Bell, 2006). Although is study does not prove nor disprove pathogens entering the bloodstream via the mouth, it does support further study. Through the formal process of observing and documenting increased levels of atherosclerosis with gum disease, researchers can continue to receive monetary funding and professional