The Link Between Gum Disease and Heart Disease

Researchers have found that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease.Coronary artery disease is characterized by a condensing of the walls of the coronary arteries due to the buildup of fatty proteins. Blood clots can obstruct normal blood flow, confining the amount of nutrients and oxygen required for the heart to function properly. This may lead to heart attacks.

Several theories exist to explain the link between periodontal disease and heart disease. One theory is that experts know that bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream through the gums. These same bacteria have been found clumped in artery plaques. Basically the bacteria affect the heart when it enters the blood stream and attaches to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries contributing to clot formation. Another possibility is that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease increases plaque build up, which may contribute to swelling of the arteries.

One of the body's natural responses to infection is inflammation. It's possible that as these oral bacteria travel through your body, they trigger a similar response, causing the blood cells to swell. This swelling could then narrow an artery and increase the risk of clots. Inflammation could very well be the root of the problem. Data researchers are gathering information that suggest more and more diseases, including periodontal disease, heart disease, and arthritis, are partially caused by the body's own inflammatory response.

The evidence isn't clear yet if preventing periodontal disease by brushing and flossing can prevent heart disease. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to have heart disease. And one study found that the presence of common problems in the mouth, including gum disease (gingivitis), cavities, and missing teeth, were as good at predicting heart disease as cholesterol levels.

Even if periodontal disease isn't actually causing heart disease, the connection could still be important. For instance, periodontal disease might be an early sign of cardiovascular problems. Heart disease can be hard to catch early, because many of the conditions that precede it have no symptoms. Although the hardening of arteries or cholesterol rising cannot be felt, bleeding or painful gums can be a definite symptom.

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