Untreated periodontal disease can affect the body in many ways, all of them unwelcome and some of them surprising. For example, it is self-evident that periodontal disease, when left untreated, can cause damage to the gums and other oral tissues. What may be less obvious is the connection between periodontal disease and cardiovascular health.
This is an area where the scientific consensus is resounding. According to a Harvard Health report, “Study after study has shown that people who have poor oral health (such as gum disease or tooth loss) have higher rates of cardiovascular problems,” including heart attack and stroke.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at this research, and outline some of the reasons why periodontal disease and cardiovascular health are so closely connected.
What Research Shows About Gum Disease and Heart Health
First, consider that a number of recent studies confirm a link between gum inflammation and an increased risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.
For example, in one 2018 study, researchers assessed close to a million patients, many of whom had experienced significant cardiovascular events. The study found a moderate correlation between tooth loss (often a result of periodontal disease) and heart disease.
Meanwhile, Penn Medicine notes that, while the specific cause-and-effect relationship is not fully clear, gum inflammation has proven to be a reliable indicator of heart attacks and strokes. Still another study finds that periodontal disease can increase the risk of heart attack by as much as 20 percent.
These are just a few examples from a wider scientific consensus, suggesting a real link between inflammation of the gums and disease of the heart.
How Does Gum Inflammation Contribute to Heart Disease?
Periodontal disease is characterized by a proliferation of unwanted bacteria and other microorganisms within the mouth. This can lead to inflammation of oral tissue, but it is also important to remember that these bacteria do not simply stay in the mouth. They can quickly travel and spread throughout the body, including the bloodstream.
As these bacteria spread, they can cause inflammation elsewhere, including the important arteries that help blood flow properly. When these arteries become narrower, the risk of a sudden vascular event can increase significantly.
Protect Heart Health Through Proactive Periodontal Care
The bottom line for patients is that being attentive to oral hygiene, and to gum care in particular, can be an important way to promote cardiovascular health and to mediate the risk of a sudden vascular event. Specific recommendations include:
- Brush and floss consistently. To maintain robust oral health, nothing is more valuable than brushing and flossing at least twice daily, removing all plaque buildup from the teeth and around the gum line.
- See the dentist regularly. Routine visits to the dentist can also help to ensure healthy teeth and gums, and to identify any potential issues for early intervention.
- Use mouthwash. Mouthwash can be an effective way to reduce plaque and to safeguard against gingivitis.
- Practice sound nutrition. A diet that is rich in lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while being light on sugars and processed foods, can be invaluable to oral health.
- Know the signs of gum disease. Some of the common indicators of periodontal disease include red and swollen gums, gum recession, and bleeding while brushing or flossing. All are signs to see a periodontal health professional as soon as possible.
Schedule an Initial Appointment at MK Periodontics and Implants
Preserving oral health can be an important way to safeguard heart health. To schedule an initial visit at MK Periodontics and Implants in Tacoma, reach out at (253) 752-6336.
