Association Between Bleeding Gums And Heart Disease

Association Between Bleeding Gums And Heart Disease

Blog Article

Most people are unaware of the fact that dental health can impact the whole human body, besides just the appearance of the teeth. Apart from keeping the teeth pearly white, brushing regularly and keeping teeth and gums clean can have their own advantages on other parts of the body, including your heart.

It has been researched that people who have gum infection (periodontal disease) and also have high cholesterol are more likely to develop heart disease. Specific factors, including diabetes, pregnancy, several medications, poor diet, etc., may increase the possibility of gum disease. However, the main cause of gum disease is poor dental health.

Plaque, a film of bacteria, builds upon the teeth when you fail to follow a consistent oral health routine. Plaque is formed from saliva, fluids, and from eating foods, especially sugary items. If left untreated, the plaque gets hardened, which can only be removed by a dentist.

The earliest and mildest form of gum disease is known as gingivitis, which includes redness, swelling, tenderness, bad breath, and bleeding while brushing and flossing. Gingivitis can be reversed if a healthy dental care routine is developed.

However, if gingivitis is left untreated for a longer period, it can take the form of periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease that is more difficult to treat. During the earlier stages of periodontitis, dentists can treat the infection using non-surgical methods like scaling, root planing, and antibiotics. Advanced periodontitis usually requires surgery to help prevent tooth loss and the spread of infection.

Gum Disease and the Heart
Individuals with gum disease are twice as likely to have a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. When gum disease takes the advanced form, gums will become swollen and inflamed due to bacterial exposure. Chronic inflammation increases the risk of heart disease, resulting in the buildup of plaque in the arteries or triggering blood clots.

Besides, bacteria in the mouth can be absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to inflammation within blood vessels, forming atheroma, or plaque in the arteries, causing atherosclerosis. In addition, midlife tooth loss due to gum disease is related to coronary heart disease.