For many years, it has been debated that poor oral hygiene may be a
possible cause of heart disease. Though this is has not been proven and threads
of evidence has not been tied together, it’s still important to pay attention
to both our oral and cardiovascular health.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, or gingivitis, is mostly a result of sloppy dental hygiene.
Generally, it is defined as an inflammation of the gums.A more advanced stage
of this is the periodontal disease which occurs when the bone below the gums
gets infected or inflamed.
There are many factors that induce the risk of developing gum disease.
It ranges from natural conditions such as diabetes, and hormonal changes in
pregnancy, puberty and menopause to improper dental hygiene like smoking,
stress, poor nutrition, and stress.
A person with gingivitis should watch out for the following symptoms:
- Red, swollen gums
- Bad mouth odor
- Plaques or white spots on the gums
- Receding gums
It is possible that these symptoms may not be noticeable so regular
visits to a dentist is important.
What is Heart Disease?
Cardiovascular disease is a term for several heart conditions and diseases
like stroke, heart failure, coronary heart disease and heart attack. Heart
disease is often caused by a buildup of fatty plaques in the arteries.
How Could Gum Disease and Heart Disease Be Linked?
Some researchers suggest that the bacteria from infected gums, which can
enter the bloodstream, therefore increasing clot formation and building up
plaque in the arteries, may contribute to cardiovascular disease.
Moreover, it has been taken into account that the inflammation caused by
gum disease may trigger clot formation. Although the link between heart disease
and gum disease has yet to be clearly established, experts agree that there may
be a conceivable explanation why they may be intertwined. For one, both
diseases involve swelling or inflammation. And secondly, the risk factors for
gum disease such as cigarette smoking, poor nutrition, and diabetes are the
same as those for heart disease.
Advice for Healthy Heart and Gums
Some people are genetically more prone to cardiovascular disease and gum
disease than others. So if it runs in your family, you should be especially
vigilant in keeping your heart and gums healthy with proper exercise, healthy
food intake and vigorous dental care habits. Get any symptoms checked out by a
heart doctor or a dentist right away.
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