Is there a link between periodontal disease and heart disease?
Recent research shows that there can indeed be a link between periodontal disease & heart disease, no matter how incredible it may seem on first hearing. According to the current state of medicine, chronic periodontal disease can cause heart disease too. In Hungary, approximately fifty thousand people die from heart attacks caused by obesity, hypertension, smoking, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
How is it possible? During a heart attack, one of the arteries that supply the heart muscle tissues suddenly becomes blocked, the supply of oxygen to the tissues is cut off, and the heart muscle cells are damaged. The most common cause of obstruction is narrowing due to atherosclerosis and blood clots in the stenosis, explains cardiologist Dr. Anna Marton. According to studies by British researchers, atherosclerosis can also be caused by a sedentary lifestyle, eating too fatty and sugary foods, and neglecting dental care.
Periodontal infection is a bacterial infection that can affect other organs once it develops. According to some theories, in heart patients, bacteria enter the bloodstream from the direction of infection, where blood clots form. The fatty deposits colonize the blood vessels, contributing to the development of a heart attack.
Neglecting the teeth, and the accompanying gingivitis and bleeding gums, however, causes minor injuries on the surface of the gums, through which pathogens can enter the bloodstream. Typically, the bacteria in our mouths do not get into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, they stick to the platelets, forcing them to clot. And the process of blood clotting can lead to blood clots. Inflammation plays a significant role in developing atherosclerosis, as inflammatory processes in the vessel wall gradually narrow the blood vessels, resulting in some form of heart disease. Then, it is clear that periodontal disease & heart disease can be linked.
Frequently asked questions after diagnosing a heart problem:
If I have heart problems, what special measures should I take to keep my mouth healthy
Dentist’s answer:
– Be sure to tell your dentist if you have any problems.
– Always observe proper oral hygiene.
– Brush your teeth daily and use dental floss.
– See your dentist regularly, at least every six months.
– Follow your doctor’s and dentist’s instructions exactly and take the prescription medicines, such as antibiotics, as prescribed.
What are the potential risks of dental treatment for me?
If you already have pre-existing heart complaints, there may be so-called bacterial endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart or heart valves) is a risk of developing a more serious heart problem. As discussed above, if bleeding occurs in the oral cavity, certain oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and settle on abnormal heart valves or tissues weakened by previous heart disease. In such cases, periodontal disease & heart disease may associate with each other.
If any of the following apply, you should take appropriate precautions.
You have artificial heart valves,
Previous endocarditis,
You have congenital heart or heart valve problems,
You have damaged (scarred) heart valves due to rheumatic fever or similar complaints,
He has heart murmurs of mitral prolapse.
Other adverse effects of poor oral hygiene
Diabetes often harms the teeth, so you should pay special attention to the health of the oral cavity. Neglected teeth gingivitis can make controlling the disease and adjusting the necessary blood sugar levels difficult. In this case, regular dental check-ups are essential.
Severe gum disease can increase the risk of preterm birth and the birth of a low birth-weight fetus. According to research data, bacteria in the mouth release toxins that affect the development of the fetus through the mother’s bloodstream into the placenta. At the same time, the infection also contributes to the premature onset of labor.
So, if we don’t care appropriately about the integrity of our mouths and teeth, periodontal disease can develop, exposing our bodies to more severe health risks. Please always tell your dentist if you have any similar problems or what medications you need to take.
Steps to proper dental care to avoid periodontal disease and heart disease
- Brushing your teeth is recommended after every meal but at least twice a day to remove food debris and plaque and prevent the growth of bacteria that damage teeth and periodontal.
- First, wash the teeth inside and out in a circular motion with the toothbrush fitted to the junction of the tooth and gums, then thoroughly rub the chewing surfaces. A thorough brushing takes 3-5 minutes. During this time, wash all available surfaces of each tooth thoroughly.
- Keep the toothbrush at 45 degrees angle on the gums, and clean inside and outside, fitting the toothbrush to the teeth and gums border.
- Also, do not forget to use dental floss to remove food debris and plaque from your teeth that you can no longer reach with a toothbrush.
As has been said, it is not just periodontal disease & heart disease linked. Periodontal diseases can cause several other conditions, so special care must keep our teeth healthy. An essential guarantee of overall health is the health of our teeth and oral cavity. Whoever understands this will protect himself from many additional inconveniences.
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