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Lifestyle habits like smoking, diabetes, a poor diet, and stress can lead to gum as well as heart disease
Increasing evidence indicates that a lack of oral hygiene could significantly contribute to the onset of cardiovascular diseases.
When we consider oral health, we usually link it to cavities, gum disease, or halitosis. We seldom connect it with heart health. Nevertheless, increasing evidence indicates that a lack of oral hygiene could significantly contribute to the onset of cardiovascular diseases. Dr. V.C. Chauhan, Interventional Cardiologist, Bhailal Amin General Hospital, Vadodara, Gujarat shares all you need to know
The mouth has been called the gateway to the body—what’s done there can have far-reaching impact. Periodontal disease is one of the most important connections between oral and heart health—a chronic inflammatory disease that involves the gum and bone tissue that surround the teeth. It is brought about by the accumulation of plaque on the gums and teeth. If left unaddressed, periodontal disease has the potential to result in systemic inflammation, a primary cause of atherosclerosis, hardening of the arteries.
Inflammation is the normal response of the body to injury or infection. But chronic gum disease inflammation can weaken blood vessels. Bacteria from infected gums are released into the bloodstream through normal, daily activities such as chewing or brushing. Once in the circulation, these bacteria can travel to other areas of the body, including the coronary arteries, and add to the development of arterial plaque. This plaque narrows the arteries and makes heart attack more likely.
The immune response of the body to these bacteria can further increase inflammation in arterial walls, speeding up the development of atherosclerosis. In other cases, it can even cause rupture of deposits of plaques and initiate the formation of blood clots. Research has indicated that people with advanced gum disease are at increased risk for heart disease.
Lifestyle habits like smoking, diabetes, a poor diet, and stress can lead to gum as well as heart disease. This is why good oral hygiene is so important—not only for your teeth, but for your overall well-being. Brush and floss regularly, don’t smoke tobacco, eat a good diet, and have regular dental checkups. These behaviors can help keep both your gums and heart in top condition.
