Periodontal Disease and Heart Disease

By Cecily Sanchez, Receptionist

Michael King DDS (Mira Dental Care)

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Periodontal Disease and Heart Disease

Scientists have linked periodontal disease to heart disease and strokes, identifying chronically inflamed gums as a significant risk factor. Toxic bacteria in the bloodstream and the continual stress of inflammation can cause serious health issues. This situation is easily prevented by simply brushing and flossing regularly along with getting professional cleanings as advised.

Gum disease begins with formation of plaque on teeth, a sticky material, which starts forming within 4 hours of brushing. If the plaque is not removed by brushing and flossing, it eventually hardens into a yellowish substance called tartar. Tartar causes chronic gum irritation. Puffy gums that bleed easily mark the early stage of gum disease. Bad breath is an additional symptom. The condition is called gingivitis, and left untreated it can lead to more serious periodontal disease.

In periodontitis, the progressive disease damages the connective tissue and bones supporting a person's teeth and produces harmful toxins. The United States Federal Food and Drug Administration calls this the major cause of tooth loss in adults.

Periodontal disease has been identified as a strong risk factor for heart attacks. The body becomes stressed by continuous inflammation, and the diseased gums continually pump toxic bacteria into the bloodstream. Scientists also theorize that some of these bacteria become attached to plaque in the coronary arteries (not related to dental plaque) and contribute to blood clots. The American Academy of Periodontology states that people with the disease are nearly twice as likely to also have heart disease.

A study published in the journal Stroke in 2004 found that the worse the periodontal disease, the higher the risk of stroke. People with severe periodontitis had over four times the risk of a stroke than people without the disease.

Johns Hopkins Medicine observes that people who neglect their teeth may have worse health habits in general, such as poor diets, obesity and type-2 diabetes, and smoking, all risk factors for cardiovascular disease. However, an article published in British Medical Journal in 1989 showed that periodontal disease was still a significant indicator for heart disease and stroke even when correcting for smoking, weight, diet and many other factors.

Brushing teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day can prevent periodontal disease. Flossing is essential because it removes food particles and plaque in places that brushing cannot reach, between teeth and under the gum line. A professional cleaning by a dentist or hygienist at least once a year will remove any tartar build-up. These measures prevent gingivitis and more serious gum disease, and lessen the risk of heart attack and stoke in the process.