Heart Disease & Gum Disease – Baltimore, MA
Can Gum Disease Cause Heart Problems?
The link connecting gum disease and heart disease has been recognized for decades; however, until recently, little was understood about it. Because the diseases share many common risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, and high blood pressure, it is difficult to confirm a relationship independent of these factors. Many researchers and healthcare professionals have asserted that gum health may also simply be an indicator of overall health and wellbeing. Recent research offers new insight, providing potential explanations independently connecting these diseases.
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- Wide Range of Advanced Periodontal Treatments
- State of the Art LANAP® Protocol
- Dental Insurance Accepted
How Gum Disease Affects Heart Disease
In 2010, research out of the University of Bristol, in collaboration with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, found evidence suggesting that streptococcus bacteria, which occur naturally in the mouth, may directly impact the heart health of patients with periodontal disease. The naturally occurring bacteria cause infection as they collect in the pockets formed during periodontitis (advanced gum disease). As the bacteria accumulate and the pockets expand and deepen, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream.
Once in the bloodstream, the bacteria produce a protein that attracts blood platelets, causing them to clump together. The platelets surround the bacteria, creating a protective casing that shields the bacteria from white blood cells and other immune responses. Scientists suggest that the clumped masses can attach to heart valves, causing atherosclerosis (hardened arteries), forming blood clots, or potentially inflame blood vessels, restricting blood flow to the heart and brain.
This and similar studies underscore the importance of further research into the various mechanisms linking periodontal disease and heart disease. Until more information is available, proper daily oral hygiene and regular examinations are critical steps towards good oral as well as overall health.