The Heart—Dental Health Relationship
American Academy of Cardiology and the American Academy of Periodontics recently issued a statement highlighting the correlation between heart health and dental health.
“The Academies noted that people with a gum disease have a higher risk of heart disease,”
“The bacteria that attack the gums and causes gingivitis and periodontis can also travel to blood vessels elsewhere in the body, causing damage and inflammation. Inflammation is a known risk factor for heart disease. It can also lead to blood clots and stroke.”
People with gum disease can be two to three times more at risk for having a heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular event, according to Harvard Medical School.
However, that does not mean that everyone with gum disease will develop heart disease. There are people with gum disease who have no heart issues, and there are people with heart issues who do not have gum disease. That said, the Academies feel that the connection is too strong to ignore.
“Periodontal disease increases the body’s burden of inflammation,” said and long-term, chronic inflammation is a key contributor to plaque buildup in the arteries.
Dentists can help patients reduce their possible heart disease risks.
“As dentists, we don’t just look at teeth and gums, but at the patient’s general health!"
“We look for signs of disease and we ask questions. Periodontal disease may not be immediately visible – it can be a silent disease – so we ask patients questions, such as have they experienced bleeding gums while brushing? Are there any loose teeth? We note if they have bad breath.
All of these can be signs of gum disease. Patients often do not mention oral health issues unless there is pain, but periodontal disease can exist without pain!
Bleeding is not normal and the cause needs to be addressed. It can mean that there is a higher level of inflammation in the blood.
The good news is that gum disease can be treated and in most cases, healthy gums can be restored. We at Thanjai dental centre can do scaling and root planning which will help remove plaque buildup around the teeth. We can also prescribe an antibiotic treatment if the infection is severe. We don’t know for sure that treating gum disease will prevent heart disease, but at least you are removing one risk factor.”
“Gum disease is preventable, and if you have it, it is reversible. Start taking better steps for oral health today, and if you have children, encourage good oral habits with them. Your heart will thank you.”
Call today to book your Appointments now, Healthy TEETH Healthy HEART,
VISIT www.thanjaidental.com
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