Most people think about diet, exercise, and routine exams when they think of keeping their hearts healthy. However, your gums are an additional, sometimes ignored aspect that may be important for cardiovascular health.
Recent studies have revealed a significant link between heart health and gum health, suggesting that oral health may affect your heart more than you might realize.
In this article, we’ll discuss the connection between gum health and heart health, the part bacteria play, and the steps you can take to protect both your smile and your heart.
Table of Contents
Gum Disease Symptoms
Seeing your dentist regularly can help with the early detection and management of gum disease. Additionally, you should inform your dentist if you have any of the following signs of gum disease:
- Chronic bad breath.
- Red, inflamed gums.
- Sensitive gums that are likely to bleed.
- Pain during chewing.
- Extremely sensitive teeth.
- Sunken teeth or retraction of the gums.
- Changed bite or missing teeth.
Gum disease is not always indicated by the presence of one or more of these symptoms. A dentist will assess the length and intensity of your symptoms before formally diagnosing you. In addition, they will evaluate your medical history and examine your teeth.
Heart Disease Symptoms
Your medical history, the intensity and length of your symptoms, and the results of a physical examination will all be taken into consideration by your doctor if they suspect heart disease. Common heart disease symptoms include the following:
- Angina, or chest discomfort brought on by your heart not receiving enough oxygen.
- Arrhythmia, which means an irregular heartbeat.
- Shortness of breath.
- Sudden exhaustion.
- Dizziness and feeling lightheaded.
- Sudden confusion or cognitive impairment.
- Excessive accumulation of fluid, referred to as an edema.
- Heart attack.
Additionally, the doctor will analyze your blood and look at heart disease risk factors such body weight and family history.
Types of Bacteria in The Mouth
Having germs in your mouth is quite natural and healthy. The normal human body is thought to contain around 30 trillion human cells, yet our bodies are home to 38 trillion germs.
However, there is increasing evidence that our mouths are home to many more, with an estimated 700 different types of bacteria.
This isn’t a negative thing in general. It has been discovered that some of these bacteria aid in food digestion and prevent the growth of germs that cause illness.
However, oral bacteria can potentially become harmful. They may cause bleeding and irritation when they invade the gums.
This may result in inflammation of the tissues that attach our teeth to the bone underneath them if treatment is not received.
Bad Bacteria in The Mouth
Porphyromonas gingivalis, or simply P. gingivalis, is a species of bacteria whose name means “out of the gum.”
Although it has been connected to heart attacks and coronary artery disease, it is also known to have a role in the development of gum disease.
Atherosclerosis, or the accumulation of fatty material in the arteries, was demonstrated to be accelerated in the presence of this bacterium.
We are unsure of the exact cause of this. However, it is most likely brought on by the bacteria’s impact on the immune system, which results in the production of chemical signals that trigger inflammation.
What is The Connection Between Gum Health and Heart Health?
The connection between gum health and heart health comes from the fact that
poor gum health has been linked to several illnesses, including heart disease.
Gum disease increases the risk of a heart attack, stroke, or other major cardiovascular event by two to three times.
Long-term (chronic) gum disease patients are believed to have higher levels of inflammation in their bodies. Additionally, their blood contains more germs, which might travel to the heart.
The primary underlying cause of heart disease, atherosclerosis, is caused by fatty deposits in the arteries that can develop as a result of this.
Even while there is a connection between poor dental health and overall health, it is crucial to highlight that many people with poor oral health do not have cardiac issues, and vice versa.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
You may lower your risk of heart and gum disease and maintain good dental hygiene by following some healthy lifestyle choices, such as:
- Use fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth and tongue at least twice a day. Ask your dentist to explain the proper brushing technique.
- Floss between your teeth and gums, at least once a day.
- Regularly use mouthwash.
- Avoid chewing or smoking tobacco.
- Maintain a diet rich in veggies, low-sugar fruits, high-fiber meals, and proteins derived from plants.
- Keep your blood sugar levels within normal ranges, particularly if you have diabetes.
- See a dentist for routine cleanings and examinations twice a year.
- Watch for early indicators of gum disease, such as constant bad breath and bleeding gums.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the connection between gum health and heart health is more significant than many people realize.
Even while brushing and flossing can seem like easy daily routines, they are essential for maintaining both your smile and your heart.
If ignored, harmful oral bacteria can lead to inflammation and major cardiovascular disorders. You may lower your risk of heart issues and gum disease by practicing good oral hygiene, scheduling routine dental checkups, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Taking care of your mouth might just be one of the smartest steps you can take for your heart.
Read More: Best Dentist in Abu Dhabi Marina.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the connection between oral health and overall health?
It's possible that bad dental hygiene can lead to dangerous oral germs. Instead, they may grow, get into your blood, and spread to other areas of your body. This spread may cause infections and inflammation in other places, which might result in major health problems including diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory disorders.
Which tooth is connected to the heart?
The heart, liver, and intestines are all parts of the central nervous system that are linked to wisdom teeth. They may indicate cardiovascular illness, liver disease, headaches, high blood pressure, and discomfort. Gum disease has been connected to diabetes and heart disease, according to studies.
How does gum health affect overall health?
Diabetes, heart disease, and dementia may all be made more likely by periodontal disease. It has long been recognized that the primary cause of adult tooth loss is periodontal disease, sometimes known as gum disease. However, the harm is not limited to the oral cavity, it can affect the whole body.
