Any physician will tell you that one of the most important things that a person can do for their overall health is to take good care of their heart. Heart disease is the number one cause of death among adults in the US, responsible for well over 600,000 fatalities in 2021.
Many of the most common risk factors for cardiovascular illness are well understood by most people, but did you know that gum disease is often linked to an increased risk of heart problems? If you want to know why that is, here’s a little bit more information about the nature of the condition.
What Studies Show
While this information may be surprising to some people, the connection between the heart and the gums has been subject to extensive research over the past decade or so. One recent analysis of contemporary studies found that gum disease increased people’s risk for heart problems by around 20 percent.
Due to this overwhelming medical consensus, the American Dental Association and the American Heart Association acknowledge the link between gum disease and cardiovascular illness.
Why Does Gum Disease Lead to Heart Disease?
It hasn’t been conclusively proven how the two conditions are connected, but one of the most common theories revolves around the bacteria that cause gum disease. When periodontal disease becomes advanced it can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, creating “pockets” that bacteria can move into.
The theory goes that bacteria that grow in these pockets can eventually seep into the bloodstream. These bacteria then form plaque deposits that clog up arteries, increasing your risk for heart disease.
How to Deal with Gum Disease
If you’re interested in protecting your heart, preventing gum disease is a vital part of doing that. You can:
- Brush and floss daily to break up plaque deposits in the mouth.
- Refrain from eating excessive sweets, and be sure to brush afterward when you do.
- See your dentist biannually for checkups and cleanings.
About the Author
Dr. Michael C. Byars is a dentist who strives each day to provide his patients with beautiful smiles. He does this by pairing the latest in dental technology with an impeccable chairside manner that can put his patients at ease. Dr. Byars received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Missouri – Kansas City, and he then completed a residency program called The Advanced Education in General Dentistry, giving him a unique understanding of complex restorative procedures.
If you have any questions about the connection between heart disease and gum disease, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (816) 781-8222.