Examining the relationship between gum disease and heart health

About two-thirds of people over the age of 65 have gum disease, which is officially known as periodontal disease. It begins when plaque, a sticky layer of bacteria and food, builds up around the teeth. In the early stages of gingivitis, irritated gums can bleed easily. If left untreated, periodontal disease can worsen and, in its most severe form, cause loosening and loss of teeth. Compared to people with healthy gums, people with periodontal disease are about twice as likely to have a heart attack. Common risk factors—including smoking, unhealthy diet, or lack of access to health and dental care—may explain some of this association. However, some bacterial and viral infections also appear to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. And growing evidence suggests that bacteria and inflammation may underlie the connection between the mouth and the heart.

Dr. Tien Jiang, a prosthodontist in the Department of Oral Health Policy and Epidemiology says: "Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body, so it's no surprise that your oral health can affect your overall health and vice versa." Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Hundreds of different types of bacteria naturally exist in the mouth. Some of them, fed by sugar, create acids in the mouth that break down the outer layer of your teeth and cause cavities. Other types of bacteria form plaque that—if not removed by regular brushing and flossing—turns into tartar, explains Dr. Jiang. Only complete dental hygiene can remove these hard and calcified deposits.

The spread of bacteria in the body

The bacteria responsible for periodontal disease can travel into blood vessels throughout the body. In fact, periodontal bacteria cause atherosclerosis and block the inner wall of arteries. These bacteria have been found in the blood clots of people who have experienced heart attacks. "In both gum disease and heart disease, we're finding bacteria in places they're not supposed to be," says Dr. Jiang. The body's immune response to these misplaced bacteria causes the release of white blood cells. The resulting inflammation may lead to tiny clots, causing a heart attack or stroke.

One way to treat periodontal disease is for dentists and hygienists to use hand scalers or ultrasound devices to clean above and below the gums. This deep cleaning, known as scaling and root planing, is ideally done twice a year. While treating periodontal disease reduces inflammatory factors in the bloodstream, there is limited evidence that it can also reduce heart attacks or other cardiovascular problems.

Prevention of periodontal disease

To prevent periodontal disease or gum disease, daily brushing and flossing is necessary, which can easily cure gingivitis. Dr. Jiang says: If you put your dental floss behind your ear, you may notice the beginning of the problem when the bleeding starts again. When bleeding starts, some people get worried and stop flossing. But the only way to heal is threading and most likely the bleeding will heal within a few days. If you notice other symptoms of gum disease, schedule an appointment with Dr. Masoume Yousefi.

A healthy diet can also help, says Dr. Jiang. Most people know that hard or chewy candies and other sticky sweets cause cavities. But sugary drinks like soda (especially if you drink them throughout the day) feed the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. "This is also true of refined carbohydrates that stick to your teeth, such as crackers and breads made with white flour," says Dr. Jiang. Additionally, a sugary diet itself is associated with a higher risk of heart disease

05/27/1404