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1st Gum Disease - Oral Hygiene, Periodontal Disease And Heart Disease. |
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Oral Hygiene, Periodontal Disease And Heart Disease
By Laura Minsk, DMD
The well-known risks for
heart disease include
smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Now evidence
suggests that having periodontal disease puts you at greater risk for
cardiovascular (heart) disease.
The bacterial infection that causes periodontal
disease also may affect the heart. In fact, all other conditions being equal,
people with periodontal disease may have twice the risk of having a fatal heart
attack as people that don't have periodontal disease. By taking care of your
periodontal health, you can prevent or help control one of the risk factors for
heart disease.Although the exact
mechanism of infection has not been determined, it is possible that
the bacteria that cause periodontal disease enter the blood stream
directly through the gum tissue. This can be precipitated by normal
oral activities, such as brushing and chewing, that create tiny
injuries in the gum and then release bacteria into the blood stream.
The bacteria can contribute to small blood
clots that clog the arteries. There also is the possibility that the
inflammation caused by periodontal disease contributes to the build-up of fatty
deposits inside the heart arteries and the formation of blood clots. These clots
can obstruct the normal blood flow, restricting the amount of nutrients and
oxygen to the heart and resulting in a heart attack.
Oral bacteria can also travel to the heart and cause an infection of the
lining or valves of the heart called infective endocarditis. People with a
history of rheumatic
heart disease, mitral valve prolapse with regurgitation, or
heart murmur associated with various heart conditions are at greater risk of
developing infective endocarditis and may require antibiotic treatment before
dental procedures that may induce bleeding.
These procedures include oral
surgery, tooth extraction, and routine cleanings. The best way to avoid
infective endocarditis is by maintaining good oral health. But if you have any
of the conditions that put you at greater risk for infective endocarditis,
consult your cardiologist and dentist before starting any dental treatment.
Treatment of periodontal disease may be one of the ways you can help prevent
heart disease and
a heart attack. With meticulous oral hygiene, daily brushing and flossing,
professional cleanings, and periodontal screenings, you may help save your teeth
and your life.
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