Over the past few years, several studies have emerged on this topic. Does gum disease cause or affect cardiovascular diseases? Does a healthy mouth equal a healthy heart? More and more, the research says “yes.” Doctors have been talking about the potential link for nearly two decades and with good reason. Heart disease is a serious problem around the world. So is poor oral health. Could dentists take a peek inside your mouth and see if you’re at risk for heart disease?Doctors say maybe.
What’s the link? In a word, inflammation. Scientists know that inflammation may lead to hardened arteries (atherosclerosis) with reduced lumen hence affecting the amount of oxygenated blood reaching the heart, brain or any other major organ. It puts the patient at greater risk for heart attack and stroke.Inflammation is also a definite sign of gum disease. Sore, swollen gums are the main symptom. There are two main types: gingivitis, which causes red, painful, tender gums, and periodontitis, which leads to infected pockets of germy pus. That’s the type that raises the worry for heart problems. It allows bacteria and other toxins to spread below the gum line.Your gums are very vascular, meaning they’re full of blood vessels. And, your mouth is full of bacteria. You could potentially get a surge of these bacteria flowing into your bloodstream hence reaching any part of the body, even the heart.Studies have shown that the bacteria found in periodontal disease — including Streptococcus sanguis, which plays a role in strokes– can spread to the heart. Bacteria from plaque of periodontal disease sufferers were tagged and later found on atheromatic plaque close to the heart major vessels.The latter does not mean that periodontal disease sufferers should rush and take antibiotics; periodontal disease is not manageable or treatable through oral antibiotic therapy only. The latter can sometimes act as an adjunct to therapy in order to aid with the patient’s response to therapy.
How does someone avoid any future problems with their gums? Make sure you maintain a high standard of oral hygiene, avoid daily habits which may affect your oral health (e.g. smoking) and keep up-to-date with your dental appointments for your check-ups so that any problems are caught early. Prevention is preferable to treatment!
