Healthy Gums, Healthy Hearts

 

In a study, 77 per cent of a group of 80 patients requiring heart transplants had gum disease (periodontal disease). In addition, other studies revealed that people who have suffered heart attacks, need transplants or other heart surgery, are also much more likely to have tooth or gum problems.

One theory discussed the specific bacterial type causing gum disease that has also been located in atherosclerotic plaque in arteries near the heart, inevitably leading to blockages of the arteries.
In addition, gum disease bacteria have been shown to stimulate platelets to stick together, thus causing narrowing and in turn blockages of the arteries, a clear factor in heart disease.


Another interesting American study suggested that people with gum disease were almost twice as likely to have heart disease. People with poor oral hygiene and gum disease also tested positive for bloodstream inflammatory markers (called C-reactive proteins). Inflammation plays a major role in the onset of atherosclerosis (blocked arteries.)
Gum disease signs also include inflamed, bleeding gums often associated with persistent bad breath. This would imply that any gum disease seems to add to the overall inflammatory burden, therefore increasing risk of heart disease.

Heart disease and gum disease share many risk factors: smoking, obesity, stress, diabetes, socioeconomic status, age, sex, and family history.

Given the strong common risk factors, what can you do to prevent both heart and gum disease?

• Quit smoking.
• Control weight by increasing physical activity and eating a healthy diet.
• Reduce intake of salt, sugar, high cholesterol and saturated fats.
• Eat low saturated fats and high fibre foods.
• Brush teeth twice daily to remove dental plaque.
• Floss teeth daily to remove plaque between teeth where a toothbrush can’t ever reach.
• See your dental hygienist at least six-monthly for a thorough professional clean.
• Replace missing teeth as soon as you can to maintain a healthy heart diet.
• If you have one or more risk factors for heart disease be extra vigilant with keeping your teeth and gums in fabulous condition.
• Look at your gums for signs of early gum disease and get help to fix gums ASAP.

Brushing and flossing your teeth not only benefits your pearly whites it decreases your chances of suffering a heart attack and may just save your life!

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