Is it True That Gum Disease is Linked to Heart Disease?

If you are one of an estimated 64.7 million adults that have some form of gum disease, you may be in more trouble than you think.  While the most obvious symptoms include bleeding gums and potential tooth loss, researchers have found that problems with your oral health may lead to problems with the rest of your body.  Is it true that gum disease may be linked to heart disease? And if so, why?

What’s the Connection Between Gum Disease and Your Heart?

According to a study published by the American Heart Association, people with gum disease are almost 50% more likely to suffer heart attacks; other studies have also found a similar connection with strokes. 

This is usually attributed to the inflammation in gums. It can lead to the many blood vessels in your mouth to become hardened, which makes it harder for blood to flow to and from the heart. The harder it is for blood to move through the body, the more likely heart problems are to occur.

In addition, since gum disease is caused by bacterial infection and often involves bleeding, it’s easy for bacteria to enter the bloodstream and cause further infection and inflammation throughout the body. This can lead to blood clots, and that leads to heart attacks. Some research also suggests that high levels of oral bacteria could lead to thickening of plaque buildup in the arteries leading to the brain, which increases the risk of a stroke.

Could Gum Disease Cause Heart Disease?

While dentists have found a link between gum disease and poor heart conditions, it hasn’t been proven that one causes the other. One thing to consider is that people with poor oral health habits tend to have other habits that can be harmful to your heart. For example, smoking and poor eating habits have a negative effect on both your gums and your heart. Also, diabetes, which has been shown to cause problems in your gums, also has been linked with a higher risk of heart disease. It’s also possible that the problems caused by gum disease can make already existing heart problems worse.

While good oral health may not prevent heart attacks and the like, it is linked to having good health overall. If you get regular preventive treatment from your dentist, you can keep your mouth healthy, and that may just help the rest of your body stay healthy. 

About the Author

Dr. Ukti Phadnis believes in providing high quality dental care and practicing proactive preventive treatment. She keeps herself up-to-date with the latest advancements in dentistry. She offers antibiotic therapy and other options to help treat oral bacteria. To learn about her practice at Wethersfield Dental Group, visit their website or call (860) 400-3007.