When you are thinking about the topic of oral health, most people only consider the way their teeth and gums are affected by dental hygiene. But the reality is that the mouth is connected to the rest of the body, and oral infections can actually have an impact on overall health. In recent years, dental experts have been sharing warnings about the link between gum disease and heart problems.
Additional research is needed, but early studies show that patients with periodontal disease also have a higher risk of cardiovascular problems. So, when you are flossing your teeth each night, you are not only taking care of your oral health – but these daily habits are also protecting your heart health.
It’s essential for every person to understand the link between gum disease and heart disease, especially if you are at risk for either condition. This information can protect your health and minimize the risk of serious complications in the future.
Understanding Periodontal Disease: What You Need to Know
Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, happens when bacteria cause an infection in the gums. Early stages of gum disease (known as gingivitis) are relatively easy to treat, which is why early detection is important.
As gum disease progresses into more advanced stages (known as periodontitis), the risk goes up. You might be experiencing symptoms such as bleeding gums, receding gum lines, and bad breath. Untreated gum disease can eventually lead to tooth loss because there is no longer a strong enough foundation to hold the teeth in place.
The root of gum disease is inflammation, which is caused by the bacteria and infection present in the mouth. You will notice that the gums become swollen and tender, which is a sign of infection. If the infection remains, then this inflammation can start to spread to other parts of the body.
Understanding Heart Disease
When you are learning about the link between gum disease and heart health, it is also important to know what happens in the body when a person has heart disease. Heart disease can manifest with different types of diagnoses, including heart attacks and atherosclerosis. Researchers are finding that lifestyle factors also play a significant role in the development of heart disease. When lifestyle increases systemic inflammation, then the risk of heart disease increases.
For example, inflammation can weaken the arteries and the heart, which eventually leads to blockages that require surgery. If you want to reduce the risk of damage to the heart, then it starts by decreasing inflammation.
Since both gum disease and heart problems are linked to inflammation, you can see the common thread that increases the risk of these health problems. The truth is that managing inflammation and reducing infections in the body can have a positive impact on both your oral health and heart health.
What is the Relationship Between Gum Disease and Heart Disease?
The reality is that an infection in the gums can trigger an inflammatory response throughout the body. Remember that everything is connected! If gum disease goes untreated, then the body launches an inflammatory response in an effort to fight the infection. This inflammatory response happens not only in the affected part of the mouth, but it can also spread throughout the body. The longer the gum infection goes untreated, the higher the risk of inflammation spreading to other places.
What Organ Does Gum Disease Affect?
Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream, which contributes to systematic inflammation. Eventually, this inflammation makes its way to the heart: the pump for the circulatory system. Inflammation causes damage to the blood vessels, including tiny blood clots that can damage the heart and lead to a heart attack or stroke.
It’s a domino effect of vascular damage throughout the body that can affect both the heart and brain. Gum disease has also been linked to other serious health issues, such as respiratory problems (the lungs), rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes.
How Do You Know If Your Teeth are Affecting Your Heart?
Just because you have gum disease, doesn’t mean that you will automatically be diagnosed with heart disease. But there is enough evidence that shows a connection between these health issues, which is why dentists promote good oral health as a way to protect overall health.
In the National Library of Medicine, recent findings show that gum disease is associated with cardiovascular disease in both men and women. Another study looked at data from over a million people and found that there is a moderate connection between tooth loss and coronary heart disease.
Even with these research studies and the information doctors are continuing to uncover, patients need to understand that gum disease doesn’t necessarily cause heart disease. But there is strong evidence that shows there might be a correlation.
At the same time, many other lifestyle factors can increase the risk of both gum disease and heart disease, including diet, the use of tobacco, stress, and more. Ultimately, taking care of your oral health can be one important piece of the puzzle for maintaining good health overall.
How to Reverse Periodontal Disease Naturally
If you are noticing signs of gum disease, such as bleeding gums, inflammation, and tenderness, then the best thing you can do is consult with an experienced dentist to understand the severity of the infection. Treatments are available in the dental office to clear up the infection and improve oral health.
Does flossing reduce heart disease? Don’t underestimate the importance of your daily oral hygiene. When you are consistent about brushing and flossing each day, it can have a positive impact on your oral health overall – which might also help to reduce the risk of heart disease. There are clear benefits to maintaining your oral health!
When periodontal disease is in the early stages, it’s possible to reverse the disease and clear up the infection. But when gum disease progresses into the later stages, then professional intervention is usually necessary.
Regardless of your gum health, we recommend that all patients (even those with healthy gums) follow the same at-home habits for preventing and reversing gum disease. Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and focus on the gumline to target the areas where plaque builds up. Make sure that you are flossing daily to remove food particles from between the teeth. You can also use a natural mouthwash to reduce inflammation and bacteria in your mouth. Talk to your dentist for recommendations about the best products to use for your unique dental needs.
The Role of Dental Checkups: Early Detection and Intervention
Dentists play a critical role in protecting your oral health, which also helps to reduce the risk of other chronic diseases. When you are consistent about twice-a-year cleanings and examinations, our dental team can identify gum disease before it leads to more serious health issues.
Not only are these regular dental appointments helpful for maintaining a beautiful smile, but they also have undeniable implications for your health in general. By keeping oral bacteria in check and treating gum disease in the earliest stages, you could be preventing a heart problem in the future.
For more information about protecting your oral health, please call our office at (860) 889-6445.