Connection Between Oral Health and Cardiovascular Disease —What You Need to Know
You would assume that the mouth and the heart have nothing in common. However, mounting evidence reveals that they are inextricably intertwined. According to researchers, bacteria identified in gum disease can travel throughout the body, producing inflammation in blood vessels and infection in heart valves. For more information, consult a dentist in Aurora today.
This has the potential to affect a large number of individuals. According to a landmark study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over half of American individuals aged 30 and older, and 70% of those aged 65 and older, have some degree of gum disease. Let us take a look at each of these probable gum disease concerns.
Can teeth issues cause problems with the heart?
The transmission of bacteria – and other pathogens – from your mouth to other regions of your body via the circulation connects oral health and heart disease. When these bacteria enter the heart, they can bind to any damaged tissue and create inflammation.
According to some studies, this can lead to ailments such as endocarditis, an infection of the heart’s inner lining. Other cardiovascular problems, such as atherosclerosis (clogged arteries) and stroke, have also been related to inflammation generated by oral bacteria, according to the American Heart Association.
Who is at risk?
Patients with chronic gum disorders such as gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease are at the highest risk of developing heart disease as a result of poor oral health, especially if the problem goes misdiagnosed and untreated. Gum infection bacteria exist in the mouth and can enter the circulation, where they bind to blood vessels and raise your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Even if there is no obvious gum inflammation, plaque buildup, and poor oral hygiene, referred to as biofilm, put you at risk for gum disease. The bacteria can also enter your circulation, producing an increase in C-reactive protein, a hallmark of blood vessel inflammation. This can raise your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Symptoms
According to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), you may have gum disease, even if it is in its early stages if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Pus or other symptoms of illness are seen around the gums and teeth.
- When you eat, brush, or floss, your gums bleed.
- Your gums are swollen, red, and painful to the touch.
- Some of your teeth are loose or seem to be drifting apart from the others.
- You regularly have bad breath or have an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
- Your gums appear to be “pulling away” from your teeth.
By being proactive about your dental health, you may prevent a link between oral health and heart disease and keep your smile healthy, clean, and attractive for the rest of your life.
