Do Heart Disease and Bleeding Gums Go Hand in Hand?

Dental health affects more than only how your teeth look, something you might not know. Your dental hygienist likely constantly stresses the need for brushing and flossing to maintain white teeth, but these self-care rituals can have far-reaching effects on your health. Most importantly, your emotional state. Preventing cardiovascular disease is another benefit of maintaining good oral hygiene.

People with periodontal disease (gum infections) have a twofold increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and this risk may be even higher than in people with high cholesterol, according to the research. To what extent are these two items related? The microbes that live in the mouth are involved. Ask a dentist in Kings Mountain, NC, today!

What Is Gum Disease?

The risk of gum disease can be increased by certain variables, including diabetes, being pregnant, using certain drugs, being overweight, having a bad diet, or having certain genetic traits. Additionally, males, those over the age of 65, and smokers have a higher prevalence. Having unhealthy teeth, nevertheless, is the primary culprit.

Tooth decay occurs when people do not maintain regular dental hygiene practices. Bacterial plaque is a sticky coating that builds on teeth and slowly dissolves them. Plaque builds up in everyone’s teeth and gums from a combination of saliva, fluids, and food, especially sugary snacks.

Diseases of the Gums and Heart

Although there is no direct causal relationship between gum disease and heart disease, studies have shown a strong correlation between the two. Inflammation, a typical physiological reaction to infection, may be to blame. Gingivitis and periodontitis are bacterial infections that cause inflammation and swelling of the gums. If left untreated, this inflammation can develop into chronic inflammation, which can cause inflammation in other parts of the body. Chronic inflammation increases cardiovascular disease risk by promoting arterial plaque accumulation and blood clots.

Additionally, studies have shown that bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and create inflammation within blood vessels, which can cause atherosclerosis (the building of plaque in the arteries) or atheroma formation (the inflammation of the blood vessels). Researchers have also found oral bacteria in the blood arteries of stroke patients.

Indicators of Potential Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease are related. Keep an eye out for these periodontal disease warning signals to help you safeguard your gums and heart:

Red, inflamed, or sensitive gums, along with other unpleasant oral issues
Gums that bleed easily when you floss or clean your teeth, especially if the food is particularly rough or rugged.
The receding gums around your teeth
Experiencing tooth movement or separation
The fluid that collects in the space between the teeth and bone
Dental ulcers
Bad breath that will not go away
A shift in the interaction between the teeth during biting
Your partial dentures no longer fit properly.