Healthy mouth, healthy heart.
Teeth and gum health and heart disease.
One may not think the health of teeth and gums can weigh on the heart. Research shows that poor oral health can cause adverse effects in other parts of the body and surprisingly, the cardiovascular system.
Gum disease, known as periodontal disease, is a chronic inflammation of the tissues surrounding the teeth. People with periodontal disease which also includes gingivitis, may experience bleeding and tenderness in the gums. They may also notice that gums are receding to expose more of the tooth.
Over time, untreated periodontal disease can progress to periodontitis and cause infection. This will affect not only the gums, but the bones of the jaw as well. This can lead to tooth loss, abscesses and excruciating pain.
Recent studies have linked gum disease to an increased risk of coronary artery disease, stroke, and cardiac infarction (heart attack).
In fact, people with gum disease have two to three times the risk of having a heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular event.
Many medical researchers have linked gum disease and heart disease to the bacteria in the mouth penetrating the gums and traveling into the bloodstream.
Periodontal disease causes pockets to form in the gums around the teeth, more bacteria can gather and penetrate the blood vessels.
Infective endocarditis is an infection in the lining of the heart caused by the accumulation of bacteria in the bloodstream. The condition is rare but potentially life-threatening, as the condition can affect not only the heart’s lining, but also the valves and the heart muscles.
Individuals with existing cardiovascular issues are at a higher risk of developing infective endocarditis, especially when the gums are infected or when unhealthy gums are manipulated during a dental procedure.
According to the American Heart Association, the biggest causes of infective endocarditis include poor oral hygiene, minor gum injury caused by tooth brushing, and dental procedures.
Other risk factors for developing endocarditis are congenital birth defects, having a pacemaker or artificial heart valve, being immunosuppressed or regularly using intravenous drugs. It is extremely important for people with these risk factors to practice good oral hygiene, including daily brushing and flossing. This helps reduce the risk of developing endocarditis.
According to the American College of Cardiology, regular dental visits and good dental care have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease.
A study published by the European Heart Journal in 2019 reported that adults who brushed at least twice per day experienced a 9% reduced risk of cardiovascular issues. Individuals who visited the dentist at least once per year experienced a 14% reduced risk of cardiovascular issues.
Your dental health definitely has an impact on your heart health. Poor oral hygiene, including the presence of gum disease and periodontitis, can raise your risk of developing heart disease, experiencing a stroke or developing other cardiovascular issues.
Bottom line: Healthy mouth, healthy heart.
