The Gum Disease/Heart Disease Connection

Taking care of your teeth and gums is a “no-brainer” for a healthy mouth and fresh breath, but did you know it can also contribute to a healthy heart? Recent studies increasingly show that there is a link between gum disease and heart disease. The good news is, while having periodontal disease doesn’t cause heart disease, it definitely increases the risk of developing heart disease and can be a contributing factor. This means that by taking proactive steps to prevent or manage gum disease, you can also reduce your risk of heart disease.

The Inflammation Connection

While it isn’t fully understood, a definite link exists between healthy gums and a healthy heart. Inflammation is often the body’s natural response to any bacterial infection, illness, or injury. It helps you heal from anything from a twisted ankle to a head cold. When you recover, the swelling goes away. When inflammation becomes chronic, it lingers and stresses your system. Chronic inflammation is an element of both gum disease and heart disease.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), chronic inflammation can lead to high blood pressure and coronary artery disease. Unfortunately, when individuals have a mouth infection or gum disease, bacteria may travel through their bloodstream to various heart structures, including heart valves, and cause inflammation of the heart valves or lining of the heart (endocarditis). Patients with prosthetic heart valves are at such a risk for endocarditis that they should take antibiotics before undergoing any dental work.

“Inflammation weakens the blood vessels and leads to atherosclerotic conditions, meaning a buildup of cholesterol in the blood vessels. This can lead to coronary artery disease, angina, and heart attack,” Dr. David Jacobs, a cardiologist at Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick, explains.

Overlapping Risk Factors

The connection between periodontal disease and heart disease can also be explained by lifestyle habits that adversely affect both oral and heart health. However, the good news is that when you improve these habits, you improve both your dental and heart health. This means that by making simple changes to your diet, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption, you can significantly reduce your risk of both gum disease and heart disease.

A diet high in sugar and unhealthy fats will contribute to gum disease and poor heart health over time. If you switch to a healthier diet, you will reduce your risk of both gum disease and heart disease. The same goes for excessive alcohol consumption and tobacco use. Smoking is a major risk factor for dental plaque, gum recession, periodontal disease, and heart disease.

Both doctors and cardiologists agree that giving up smoking and all tobacco products is the number one way to reduce your risk of both gum disease and heart disease.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Early signs of gum disease should never be ignored, particularly if you have risk factors for heart disease. If you have any of the symptoms below, it’s important to act quickly and contact Smileboston as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. By recognizing these signs and seeking treatment early, you can prevent the progression of gum disease and reduce your risk of heart disease.

• Puffy or swollen gums.
• Red or purple gums.
• Tender, bleeding gums.
• Chronic bad breath.
• Unpleasant taste in the mouth.
• Painful chewing.
• Loose or wiggly teeth.
• Receding gums.
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks.

Treating periodontal disease now can minimize your risk of heart disease now and in the future. If you have any of the symptoms above, contacting Smileboston at Smileboston Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry office Phone Number 617-277-4100 for an appointment is the first step toward healing your gums, protecting your teeth, and preventing serious cardiovascular health problems.