The Correlation Between Gum Disease and Heart Disease

On Dec. 5, 2005, an issue of the American Journal of Preventative Health first publizied that poor dental health could increase a person's risk for heart disease.

Granted, this notion may seem far fetched. And, some may never believe that poor dentition can contribute to a heart attack. Certainly, it is not the only factor. There are probably many who suffer from heart disease who have excellent teeth. The point, however, is one that should be taken into consideration. Chronic infection often finds a way to kill. The chronic infection of the liver, gallbladder, kidneys or lungs can reap havoc on the body. All indications are that infected teeth and gums, not only impact the heart. They may, on occasion, kill it.

The most common reason for tooth loss is gum disease, or gingivitis. When we eat, small particles of food stick to our teeth and work themselves between the teeth and beneath the gums. The food rots as bacteria grow in numbers. The immune system tries to combat the bacteria and destroy them, however, as long as the rotting food particles remain beneath the gums, infection and inflammation continue.

Meanwhile, another process is ongoing in most people inside the arteries of the heart...

Cholesterol plaques begin to build in the coronary arteries of the heart from childhood. These vessels arise from the aorta at the top of the heart and circle back to the heart giving the heart muscle its own supply of blood. If these arteries are blocked, the heart muscle dies. This is known as a heart attack. But the process is much more involved than cholesterol accumulating and blocking the arteries. In fact, there is a remarkable domino effect leading to a heart attack.

First comes the lipid or fat deposition. Other cells such as fibrous tissue-producing cells called fibroplasts, organize the fatty deposits probably as a self-healing attempt at stabilizing the developing disease. But as these plaques continue to bulge and narrow the coronary arteries, other processes begin to add to the likelihood of a heart attack. An infection-fighting inflammatory state in the mouth is the burning candle in the fireworks warehouse that for many people might spark the final cardiac insult.

The inflammatory chemicals and cells that circulate in the body in response to infected gums and teeth contribute to a breakdown and rupture of the plaques. Once rupture occurs, clotting of the artery is almost immediate and the heart attack ensues.

Healthy teeth and gums for some may depend upon advanced care at the dentist on a regular basis. For most it begins in the home the following simple measures: daily flossing; use of a waterpik to wash rotten particles of food from beneath the gum line; and with brushing on a regular basis.

Within two weeks to a month you will see inflamed bleeding gums transformed into healthy, pink gums which do not bleed, and, over time, help guarantee you a heart less likely to suffer infarction.