Can gum disease affect your heart’s health?
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American Dental Association answered:There is no conclusive research showing that healthy gums mean a healthy heart, however, studies indicate that severe gum disease may be associated with several other health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or stroke. However, saying that two conditions are associated is not the same as saying that one causes the other. Talk to your dentist about your overall health, especially if you have had any recent illnesses or have any chronic conditions. At home, practice good oral hygiene by always brushing your teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste, replacing your toothbrush every three or four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed, flossing once a day between the teeth and by remembering to eat a balanced diet and to limit between-meal snacks.There is no conclusive research showing that healthy gums mean a healthy heart, however, studies indicate that severe gum disease may be associated with several other health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or stroke. However, saying... More -
Dr. De Vizio of Colgate answered:While the scientific evidence is inconclusive, people with severe gum disease may be at higher risk of heart disease. Researchers have suggested that bacteria causing your periodontitis could enter your bloodstream and facilitate plaque development in your arteries. As a result, your blood vessels could become inflamed and this could increase risk of a heart attack. Scientists continue to research the link between periodontitis and heart disease to determine their relationship.While the scientific evidence is inconclusive, people with severe gum disease may be at higher risk of heart disease. Researchers have suggested that bacteria causing your periodontitis could enter your bloodstream and facilitate plaque... More -
Dr. Gerry Curatola answered:The link between gum disease, a source of chronic low-grade inflammation, and heart disease, the number one killer of Americans, has never been stronger. Many studies have shown the risk of heart disease from gum disease almost as strong as the link between lung cancer and smoking. Some studies have concluded that patients with advanced gum disease have up to a ten times risk of having a heart attack and over 90% morbidity, meaning that this type of heart attack is usually fatal. The cause is from the ravaging effects of the type of inflammation that gum disease causes which is silent and progressive- and often ignored.The link between gum disease, a source of chronic low-grade inflammation, and heart disease, the number one killer of Americans, has never been stronger. Many studies have shown the risk of heart disease from gum disease almost as strong as the link... More -
Dr. Nicholas Dello Russo answered:There is a lot of talk in the media about the relationship between coronary artery disease and gum disease. The evidence is not clear on this. There seems to be some kind of relationship between heart disease and periodontal (gum) disease but please bear in mind, association is not causation. There may be a common pathway or factor but much more research is needed.There is a lot of talk in the media about the relationship between coronary artery disease and gum disease. The evidence is not clear on this. There seems to be some kind of relationship between heart disease and periodontal (gum) disease but please... More -
Dr. Todd Welch answered:The latest studies are suggesting so. Scientists have found that people with gum disease can be almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as healthy patients1. Other studies have shown that having common problems in oral health, such as gum disease, can be as good of a predictor of heart disease as cholesterol levels2.More than half of all people over the age of 30 have some form of periodontal disease, but many still do not realize the serious health risks that have been associated with having oral health problems. For the past 80 years, heart disease has been one of the leading causes of death in the US3. Much research has shown that a link between gum disease and heart problems exists, but we currently do not understand how this relationship actually works. Two predominant theories exist to help explain the link between gum disease and your heart’s health1, 2:
- When bacteria from the mouth enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart, it begins to attach to plaque found on the walls of the coronary arteries. As bacteria and plaque continuously build up, the arteries can become obstructed. Normal nutrient & blood flow is restricted, placing the patient at an increased of heart attack.
- Another theory involves the body’s natural immune response to disease. When oral bacteria enter the bloodstream, a low-grade inflammatory response may occur. When bacteria reach the heart, inflammation & swelling of the arterial cells may occur. This can cause the arteries to narrow and increase the patient’s risk of heart disease.
People with gum disease have been shown to be at increased risk of heart disease, but scientists are still unsure of how the diseases interact, and cannot definitively say if one leads to the other. Until this research becomes available, patients with gum disease should try to reduce their risk factors and take preventive measures at an earlier stage in life, including regular dental hygiene visits and annual periodontal assessments. Routine things like these can be key components in receiving high-quality oral care and may even improve your overall health.
- American Academy of Periodontology http://www.perio.org/consumer/mbc.heart.htm
- WebMD: Periodontal Disease and Heart Health
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Prevalence of Heart Disease—United States, 2005.
The latest studies are suggesting so. Scientists have found that people with gum disease can be almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as healthy patients1. Other studies have shown that having common problems in... More
