The American Dental Association (ADA) has acknowledged the connection between gum disease and heart disease. Inflammation in the gums may narrow important arteries. Gum disease can lead to osteoporosis, a condition where a bone in the jaw and teeth becomes thin and weak. Bacteria found in the mouth may also move to the lungs, causing pneumonia. In fact, pneumonia is more common in people with periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease
There is an extensive body of evidence that links the two diseases. Chronic inflammation is a major contributor to atherosclerosis, a condition of the arteries. Inflammation in the body is a natural process that involves the body’s immune system attacking invaders. In the short term, inflammation can promote healing, such as during an infection. But chronic inflammation is the cause of many chronic illnesses, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. Harvard Medical School provides some helpful tips to combat inflammation.
Gum disease
The connection between mouth and heart disease is growing stronger, with evidence suggesting that gum disease is a precursor to cardiovascular conditions. Inflammation in the mouth causes the gums and arteries to become irritated, which leads to the buildup of protective plaque. When these plaques are not treated, they can become weakened and can block blood flow, resulting in heart attacks and strokes. In addition to plaque in the heart, mouth bacteria can contaminate the bloodstream and contribute to other health problems, such as diabetes and high cholesterol.
Diabetes
If you have diabetes, you’ve probably wondered, “How are mouth diseases related to heart diseases?” The answer is both surprising and relevant. Having diabetes can contribute to cardiovascular issues, including heart attacks, stroke, and other heart problems. Fortunately, a healthy diet can lower your risk for cardiovascular disease and keep your mouth healthy at the same time. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing regularly, and seeing a dentist regularly can all prevent heart disease and help you stay healthy. Ask your doctor about proven ways to reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease and heart attack.
Respiratory disease
A new study reveals the link between cardiovascular diseases and respiratory diseases and its impact on the all-cause mortality of people with respiratory diseases. The authors of this study performed a cohort study of all respiratory patients at seven NHS hospitals in North West England, matching the patients by sex and age to determine their relationship to one another. They found that cardiovascular diseases significantly increased mortality among patients with respiratory disease. This relationship is particularly important for patients with obstructive lung disease, and their risk for CVD is significantly increased if they have both.
Inflammatory cytokine production
Recent studies have identified an association between inflammation and heart failure (HF), with elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines detected in both diseases. Moreover, inflammatory cytokines in HF have been found to be associated with chronic hypoxia, a condition that induces the production of inflammatory cytokines by cardiomyocytes. The study also uncovered that inflammatory cytokines impair the cardiomyocytes’ b-adrenergic responsiveness and calcium handling.
Platelet aggregation
Although heart disease and oral health are not necessarily connected, the connection between these conditions is still important. Inflammation in the mouth leads to inflammation in the arteries, which in turn can clog them and cause heart disease. Furthermore, bacteria in the mouth can irritate the heart’s inner lining, leading to an inflammation of the heart. According to the American Heart Association, mouth bacteria can cause cardiovascular disease.
Hypercoagulability
Many people have no idea that gum disease can cause cardiovascular disease. Gum disease is a common condition affecting 80% of the population. It often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. In some cases, gum disease can even go undetected until a dentist notices it. But recent studies have revealed that gum disease can lead to heart problems. That’s because oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart. This bacteria may cause inflammation, which attaches to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries and contributes to the formation of clots. Furthermore, the inflammation associated with periodontal disease can also affect the arteries in the heart and contribute to the deterioration of the heart.
Hypocholesterolemia
Research has shown that hypercholesterolemia and mouth diseases are linked to cardiovascular disease. In a recent study, researchers analyzed the lipid profiles of 159 patients. The findings showed that the risk of coronary heart disease was higher in patients with a history of hypercholesterolemia. They also found that patients with hypercholesterolemia are more likely to have diabetes and smoke. Both groups had similar rates of obesity and hypertension.
