Unfortunately, many Canadians will have to confront periodontal or cardiovascular disease at some point in their lives. According to the Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System, 1 in 12 Canadians has diagnosed heart disease, whereas 7 out of every 10 Canadians develop early gum disease. Although early gum disease (gingivitis) is reversible, the disease can progress without treatment and cause permanent damage.
Preventing these two conditions should be at the top of every Canadian’s mind. Some researchers believe that there may be a link between oral health and heart disease, with gum disease raising your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Understanding Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease is not a single disease, but rather an umbrella term for a range of heart conditions. These affect the structure and function of the heart. The various forms of heart disease are the leading cause of death globally for both men and women. It includes conditions like coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, valvular heart disease, heart failure, and some strokes.
Risk Factors for Heart Disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol levels
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Unhealthy diet
- Diabetes
Exploring the Link Between Oral Health and Heart Disease
Many believe that there is a connection between your oral health and your risk of developing heart disease. To understand why, we’ll first take a look at the oral-systemic connection.
The mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body. It’s also home to many different types of bacteria, which can be helpful, harmless, or harmful. You would never be able to get rid of all that oral bacteria—nor would you want to! Still, you do want to prevent the “bad” bacteria from multiplying and getting out of control.
Poor oral hygiene allows harmful bacteria to accumulate as plaque and tartar on the teeth and along the gum line. There, it contributes to a wide array of oral health issues like tooth decay, gum inflammation, gingivitis, and periodontitis. However, some scientists speculate that it can also impact your overall health, including the health of your heart.
Studies have found that periodontal disease (gum disease) and cardiovascular disease are often associated with each other. Essentially, those with cardiovascular disease are more likely to have periodontal disease, and the other way around. It’s still not clear whether gum disease can cause cardiovascular disease, however. Rather, it’s possible that the two simply have similar risk factors, particularly smoking, poor diet, and diabetes.
Regardless, there’s no reason to take unnecessary risks. Even if poor oral health doesn’t increase your risk of heart disease, you should still be striving for the healthiest mouth possible. Cavities, tooth loss, and periodontal disease are serious health conditions on their own.
How Gum Disease May Impact Heart Health
Why are gum disease and dental health often linked to heart disease? There are two major theories: chronic inflammation and bacterial attacks.
Inflammation
As plaque and tartar form on the teeth and along the gum line, it causes gum inflammation. If left untreated, that inflammation can become chronic and lead to widespread, systemic inflammation throughout the body.
Inflammation is our body’s natural response to harmful stimuli, like bacteria. When gum disease progresses, our immune response is often not limited to the mouth. Inflammation levels rise throughout the body, which can damage the heart’s vascular system. This is a key player in heart disease.
Bacteria
The oral bacteria that can infect your gums and cause gum disease may be able to travel elsewhere in the body.
Bacteria leave the periodontal pockets in the mouth and enter the bloodstream through the gum tissue. It is then transported to your heart, lungs, and other organs. When the bacteria reach the heart, they can attach to the walls of the blood vessels, causing inflammation and damage.
Inflammation can make the blood vessel walls thicker, restricting blood flow and elevating blood pressure. This may contribute to the development and progression of cardiovascular health problems, like heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
Endocarditis
Endocarditis is an infection of the lining of the heart chambers or valves, often caused by bacteria. Bacteria enter the bloodstream, travel to the heart, and attack damaged heart valves or tissue. It is a very serious infection requiring quick treatment to prevent damage to or destruction of the heart valves.
Poor dental health is a significant risk factor for endocarditis, particularly if you have artificial or damaged heart valves. Maintaining a healthy mouth by regular brushing, flossing, and visits to your dental health care provider are crucial for preventing this life-threatening infection.
Gum Disease Risk Factors
- Poor oral care habits
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Unhealthy diet
Preventing Gum Disease and Preserving Cardiovascular Health
The connection between gum disease and cardiovascular disease may be an association rather than a case of causation. Nonetheless, many of the healthy habits essential for good oral health are also beneficial for your heart (and for the rest of your body). Here are a few tips for protecting both your oral health and heart health:
- Brush and floss every day. You should brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Don’t forget to floss once a day, too!
- Regular dental checkups. Visiting your dentist every six months is crucial for your oral health. This gives us a chance to remove plaque and tartar build-up, and check for other developing oral health issues. If we detect gum inflammation or gingivitis (the earliest stage of gum disease), our gum specialist will begin treatment immediately.
- Eat a healthy diet. A diet full of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins is great for your mouth and your heart. Avoid foods that are high in sugar and refined carbohydrates.
- Limit alcohol. High alcohol consumption is a risk factor for both oral health conditions and heart conditions.
- Quit smoking. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your overall health. It is a major risk factor for gum disease, heart disease, and many other health issues.
Bristol Dental Clinic: Caring for Your Oral Health in Mississauga
Bristol Dental Clinic is Mississauga’s leading oral care provider. As a family, cosmetic, specialty, and emergency dental clinic, we are able to care for almost all of your dental needs under one roof.
Our entire dental team is knowledgeable, compassionate, and dedicated to preserving your oral health. We are also a fully digital dental clinic, equipped with the latest technology, to make every visit comfortable and streamlined.
To book an appointment with a dentist in Mississauga, call Bristol Dental Clinic at 866-673-2109 or contact us here.
