The link between periodontal disease, cardiovascular disease and other health conditions has been the topic of debate recently, with several studies backing both arguments for and against the link.  Because the mouth is a pathway to the body, the evidence strongly supports that there is a link between periodontal (gum) infections, heart disease and other health conditions throughout the body.  In fact, research suggests that gum disease may be a more serious risk factor for heart disease than hypertension, smoking, cholesterol, gender and age.  New studies suggest that people who have gum disease seem to be at a higher risk for heart attacks, although no one is certain how this relationship works.  It is a fact that oral health affects overall health, but the studies that find exactly why these problems are linked are still underway.  We will know more about this link as Generation X grows older and the studies continue.

How can gum disease affect my overall health?

The current theory is that bacteria present in infected gums can come loose and move throughout the body.  The same bacteria that cause gum disease and irritate your gums might travel to your arteries.  Researchers are unsure what causes the bacteria to become mobile, but it has been suggested that bacteria can be dislodged and enter the bloodstream during tasks as simple as brushing, flossing or even chewing.

Research shows that risk varies according to the level of gum infection.  The worse the infection, the more likely the bacteria are to become blood-borne.  Infected gums bleed, making it easier for bacteria to enter your bloodstream.  Bleeding gums are not normal!  If you have bleeding, you have active disease.  If bacteria become dislodged, they can enter through cuts or sores in your mouth and travel to other parts of the body through the bloodstream.  Once bacteria reach the arteries, they can irritate them in the same way they irritate gum tissue.  This could cause arterial plaque to accumulate in the arteries, which can cause hardening and block blood-flow.  Compromised blood-flow to your heart can cause a heart attack.  Also, arterial plaque can come loose and travel to other parts of the body.  If blockage occurs in the brain, it can cause a stroke.  The dentist may use a special rinse immediately after dental procedures to neutralize these bacteria, but your best protection is to maintain a healthy mouth.

The link between periodontal disease, cardiovascular disease and other health conditions has been the topic of debate recently, with several studies backing both arguments for and against the link.  Because the mouth is a pathway to the body, the evidence strongly supports that there is a link between periodontal (gum) infections, heart disease and other health conditions throughout the body.  In fact, research suggests that gum disease may be a more serious risk factor for heart disease than hypertension, smoking, cholesterol, gender and age.  New studies suggest that people who have gum disease seem to be at a higher risk for heart attacks, although no one is certain how this relationship works.  It is a fact that oral health affects overall health, but the studies that find exactly why these problems are linked are still underway.  We will know more about this link as Generation X grows older and the studies continue.

How can gum disease affect my overall health?

The current theory is that bacteria present in infected gums can come loose and move throughout the body.  The same bacteria that cause gum disease and irritate your gums might travel to your arteries.  Researchers are unsure what causes the bacteria to become mobile, but it has been suggested that bacteria can be dislodged and enter the bloodstream during tasks as simple as brushing, flossing or even chewing.

Research shows that risk varies according to the level of gum infection.  The worse the infection, the more likely the bacteria are to become blood-borne.  Infected gums bleed, making it easier for bacteria to enter your bloodstream.  Bleeding gums are not normal!  If you have bleeding, you have active disease.  If bacteria become dislodged, they can enter through cuts or sores in your mouth and travel to other parts of the body through the bloodstream.  Once bacteria reach the arteries, they can irritate them in the same way they irritate gum tissue.  This could cause arterial plaque to accumulate in the arteries, which can cause hardening and block blood-flow.  Compromised blood-flow to your heart can cause a heart attack.  Also, arterial plaque can come loose and travel to other parts of the body.  If blockage occurs in the brain, it can cause a stroke.  The dentist may use a special rinse immediately after dental procedures to neutralize these bacteria, but your best protection is to maintain a healthy mouth.

What should I do?
Keep your mouth healthy!  See your dentist at least twice a year for periodic maintenance.  Gum disease is a significant infection that should always be taken seriously.  I often compare diagnosis of gum disease to the diagnosis of high blood pressure.  You don’t know you have it unless you have it checked!  Gum disease can often show few or no symptoms at all.  Some signs to watch for are gums that are red and irritated, or gums that bleed easily.  There are many new treatments available to control and help reverse the process of gum disease.

Some people are more susceptible to gum disease, but always remember that the disease is caused by plaque buildup.  Brush and floss regularly to remove plaque that you can't see below the gumline and remember to schedule regular check-ups with the dentist.  If you remove the plaque, you minimize the chance for getting gum disease.  A healthy mouth is important and it could save your life!

Keep your mouth healthy!  See your dentist at least twice a year for periodic maintenance.  Gum disease is a significant infection that should always be taken seriously.  I often compare diagnosis of gum disease to the diagnosis of high blood pressure.  You don’t know you have it unless you have it checked!  Gum disease can often show few or no symptoms at all.  Some signs to watch for are gums that are red and irritated, or gums that bleed easily.  There are many new treatments available to control and help reverse the process of gum disease.

Some people are more susceptible to gum disease, but always remember that the disease is caused by plaque buildup.  Brush and floss regularly to remove plaque that you can't see below the gumline and remember to schedule regular check-ups with the dentist.  If you remove the plaque, you minimize the chance for getting gum disease.  A healthy mouth is important and it could save your life!