Gum disease (periodontitis) is associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease. However, according to Delta Dental, there is now evidence of two specific links between oral health and heart disease. First, recent studies show that if you have moderate or advanced gum disease, you're at a higher risk of heart disease than someone with healthy gums. And second, oral health can provide doctors with warning signs for a variety of diseases and conditions, including those of the heart.
Ann Bolger, a cardiologist and emeritus professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, agreed that the observational study had limitations. Talk to your cardiologist about undergoing dental treatment if you are recommended to wait. And tell your dentist if you are taking blood thinners (blood thinning medications). These medications may cause excessive bleeding during some oral surgery procedures.
Having poor oral health can be a major factor in heart disease. According to some researches, dental infections can cause the development of atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque on the walls of your heart. This is known as atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). In addition to that, periodontal disease is also said to contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.
Dental infections may trigger ASCVD
Despite its widespread prevalence, the relationship between dental infections and arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is still largely uncharted. However, there is a growing body of epidemiologic evidence linking poor oral health to a variety of vascular risk factors. Consequently, increasing public awareness of this relationship could help reduce the incidence of both diseases.
In recent years, the relationship between periodontal disease (PD) and ASCVD has garnered increasing attention. These diseases have similar pathophysiological mechanisms, and share many risk factors.
PD, in particular, is an inflammatory disease, characterized by bone loss and the progressive destruction of connective tissue fibers. The disease is also associated with obesity and diabetes. The condition can lead to plaque formation and stress on the blood vessels, which contributes to atherosclerosis.
Dental infections may trigger ASCVD by triggering an immune response, which leads to bacteremia, a term used to describe the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream. Bacteremia has been confirmed by multiple studies, and correlates with systemic markers of inflammation.
Dental infections can also trigger ASCVD by directly causing thromboembolic events, such as stroke. In addition, specific bacteria from dental infections have been shown to directly cause heart attacks. These bacteria are also known to exacerbate the inflammation associated with PD.
Periodontal disease influences the development of atherosclerosis
Several epidemiological studies have shown that periodontitis is associated with cardiovascular diseases. It is important to note that, as with any relationship, it is not possible to establish cause and effect. There are many confounding factors that may influence the observed associations. However, it appears that periodontal disease plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis.
Periodontitis and atherosclerosis are both chronic inflammatory diseases. Both involve the intima of the large and medium caliber arteries. Atherosclerosis leads to lipid build-ups in the vessel wall. These lipids serve as substrates for fibro-lipid structure. During atherosclerosis, periodontal bacteria are present in the plaques of the atherosclerotic arteries. The bacteria and their toxins have direct contact with the vessel wall during bacteremia. The cytokines and inflammatory mediators released during chronic periodontal inflammation may affect the vessel wall.
Recent studies suggest that periodontal disease contributes to atherosclerosis by activating the host immune response. Periodontal pathogens can enter into the blood stream through the ulceration epithelium. They can also induce bacteraemia. Bacteraemia is a major risk factor for atherosclerotic diseases. Bacteraemia can lead to acute myocardial infarction.
The earliest known link between oral infection and systemic disease was made by William Hunter around 1900. He named his theory "focal infection." Hunter's observations lacked the rigor of modern scientific studies. He relied heavily on clinical experience. However, the evidence is intriguing and more research is needed to determine the role of dental disease in atherosclerosis.
Arterial wall irritations cause heart disease
Getting a heart attack is no fun, but a little bit of research and a heart rate monitor can go a long way to keeping you at your best. The best part is that your doctor can keep you on the path to a healthy heart. The most important thing is to know when to get your heart rate monitored and how to keep your blood pressure in check. The best way to do this is to make sure you are getting plenty of exercise and eating healthy. This will pay off in the long run. For example, if you are overweight you need to cut back on the number of calories you consume each day.
Ask your dentist if oxygen and nitroglycerin are available in the event of a medical emergency during your office visit. Based on these results, these researchers speculate that the relationship between gum disease and increased cardiovascular risk is coincidental and that gum disease does not cause coronary heart disease. However, many studies show an as-yet-unexplained association between gum disease and several serious health conditions, including heart disease, even after adjustments are made for common risk factors. The ADA also suggests that you use an ADA-accepted toothpaste, which is proven to improve gum health in four weeks.
However, even if you don't have noticeable gum inflammation, inadequate oral hygiene and plaque buildup, also known as biofilm, put you at risk for gum disease. Previous studies have found a link between heart disease and periodontal disease, a condition characterized by gum infection, gum inflammation and dental damage. Even so, Bolger said science supports a possible connection between dental health and heart health. You can reduce your chance of developing tooth decay, gum inflammation, and oral infections, such as abscess formation, by taking good care of your teeth and gums.
This latest research is a good reminder that the mouth is an important part of a person's entire health and that simple, daily health-improving behaviors are incredibly important.
