Link between Gum Disease and Heart Disease

There is a growing body of research that suggests that infection from the oral cavity may increase the risk and complications for a number of serious diseases and conditions. Heart disease, Low birth weight premature babies and stroke are among these. As a Periodontist I interact with patients with gum disease in my office. I believe that patient education is one of the best ways I can help you stay healthy.

Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without periodontal disease. It is important to identify those individuals who may be at greater risk for heart disease or stroke because of undiagnosed and untreated gum infection.

The American Heart Association has identified certain factors that increase the risk of heart and blood vessel diseases. These include the following:
- Increasing age
- Male gender
- Family history of premature coronary artery disease
- Tobacco smoker
- High blood pressure
- High LDL cholesterol
- Low HDL cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Obesity and overweight
- Physical inactivity
- African American ethnicity
- Stress
- Alcohol

My personal experience also suggests that Asian population has more prevalence of gum disease.

Several theories exist to explain the link between periodontal disease and heart disease. One theory is that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease increases plaque build up, which may contribute to swelling of the arteries.Its been found that diseased gums released significantly higher levels of bacterial pro-inflammatory components, such as endotoxins, into the bloodstream in patients with severe periodontal disease compared to healthy patients. As a result, these harmful bacterial components in the blood could travel to other organs in the body, such as the heart, and cause harm.

Another possibility is that oral bacteria can affect the heart when they enter the blood stream, attaching to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels) and contributing to clot formation. Coronary artery disease is characterized by a thickening of the walls of the coronary arteries due to the buildup of fatty proteins. Blood clots can obstruct normal blood flow, restricting the amount of nutrients and oxygen required for the heart to function properly. This may lead to heart attacks.

With the number of people with heart disease continuing to increase, it is important to understand that simple activities like brushing and flossing twice a day, and regular visits to your dental professional can help lower your risk of other health conditions.

As a gum disease dentist, I has seen and treated thousands of gum disease patients and have found one common factor, that some patients "Don't Know" that they have gum disease. Gum disease usually tends to be a painless disease. It is sometimes nicknamed to be a "Silent Killer dental disease". Simply because the bacteria are dissolving the bone around the teeth, shaking up the foundation "Painlessly". Typically patients who don't visit their dentist regularly, go to the dentist only when they have pain. Since gum disease is usually a painless disease, these patients don't realize that they have gum disease till its too late.

So what are the typical warning signs of gum disease?

- Gums that bleed during brushing or eating
- Increased space beginning to develop between teeth
- Gums that feel swollen or tender
- Gums Recession (gums pulling back from your teeth)
- Persistent bad breath
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- Changes in the way your teeth ït together when you bite
- Sores in your mouth

If you have any of these warning signs of gum disease or any increased risk factors for heart disease then you need to do something about your dental health. It is recommended that adults be evaluated by their dentist or dental hygienist for periodontal disease at their six month visits. Also people who have been diagnosed with gum disease should be on three month cleaning visits. Dental insurance may or may not pay for these extra visits, but if a few hundred dollars is going to keep your heart healthy, then it is money worth spending!

References
1.http://www.cdc.gov/OralHealth/publications/factsheets/sgr2000_fs4.htm
2. American Heart Association. http://www.americanheart.org
3. American Academy of Periodontology : www.perio.org