Gum Disease Links to Heart Disease

Gum Disease Links to Heart Disease

WE KNOW OUR PATIENTS want to take the very best care of their hearts. Well, did you know that your simple little toothbrush could rank right up there with your gym membership when it comes to keeping your heart healthy? Yes, it’s true! According to researchers “There are a number of recent studies that suggest gum disease—and other oral health issues—are directly related to heart problems.”

A recent study done by the American Academy of Periodontology reported that people who have periodontal disease are nearly twice as likely to have heart disease. In a second study, it was found that common oral health problems, including missing teeth, gingivitis, and/or cavities are just as good at predicting heart disease as are bad cholesterol levels!

While we are still continuing to learn about these connections, the evidence seems to be mounting each year. One thing is for certain, bacteria in your mouth can enter your bloodstream through your gums. This same bacteria has now been found clumped up in artery plaques. Because of these discoveries, a theory that is gaining more acceptance is that they stick to the fatty plaques in your bloodstream, which then directly contributes to blockages.

There are other theories that revolve around your body’s defenses against bacteria, including the natural response of inflammation. Oral bacteria traveling through your bloodstream can cause blood cells to swell, which can lead to narrowing of arteries and clot risks.

The exact relationships between cardiovascular disease and periodontal disease are still unclear, but today’s research continues to conclude that there’s definitely a connection. With all these new studies and findings, we don’t want you to only focus on brushing. Keep eating healthy foods, exercise regularly, and take care of risk factors like diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.

And, when it’s so easy to clear up any periodontal disease problems by seeing us be sure to do that too! It makes good common sense. And don’t forget that prevention now goes a long way in stopping problems in the future.

If you have any questions, be sure to ask. We love visiting with you—our friends and patients.  And if you know of somebody who you want to take care of by sending them to a great dental office, click here.

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