Many studies have reflected links between gum disease and cardiovascular health. It was discovered that people who have gum disease have higher rates of heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular complications than those with good oral health. Read on to learn more about these two conditions and what you can do to avoid them.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also referred to as periodontitis, signified by inflammation of the gums. This condition develops when food and plaque get trapped in the small space called a sulcus where the gums and teeth are attached. 

Gum disease can lead to the breakdown not only of the gums but also the teeth and bone tissues. Eventually, the gums will separate from the teeth, which can injure soft tissues and bones. Additionally, the teeth may also become unstable and loose.

To determine if you have gum disease, here are signs to watch out for:

 

  • Swollen, tender, red, or bleeding gums
  • Pus between the teeth and gums
  • Bad breath
  • Loose teeth
  • A buildup of brown deposits along the gum line
  • Changes in the way dental appliances fit

How Does Gum Disease Connect to Cardiovascular Disease?

Gum disease develops when the sticky, bacteria-laden film known as plaque accumulates around teeth. Meanwhile, a type of plaque called atherosclerosis made of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances found in the blood can build up inside arteries and cause coronary artery disease. 

The bacteria that infect the gums and cause gum disease travel to blood vessels. This can result in blood vessel inflammation and damage, tiny blood clots, and even stroke and heart attack. Oral bacteria were also found within atherosclerotic blood vessels that are far from the mouth. 

What causes the problem is not the bacteria but inflammation, which is the body’s immune response. It sets off a series of vascular damage throughout the body, including the heart.

Is It Possible That Gum and Cardiovascular Diseases Are Not Related to One Another?

Other studies reveal that there may be no direct connection between gum disease and cardiovascular disease. They commonly occur together because both conditions share the same risk factors, such as smoking. Other possible reasons why people typically have both conditions are poor access to healthcare and lack of exercise. For example, those without health insurance or who fail to take good care of their health are likely to have heart disease and gum disease.

In addition, a study published in 2018 showed data from almost a million people who experienced more than 65,000 cardiovascular events (including heart attack). Researchers found out that there was a moderate correlation between poor oral health and coronary heart disease. Furthermore, the connection between poor oral health and cardiovascular disease almost disappeared when smoking status was considered. In short, this study suggests that poor oral health itself does not directly cause cardiovascular disease. 

Conclusion

At present, additional studies are required to completely prove the connection between gum disease and cardiovascular disease. Regardless of whether poor oral health directly causes stroke and stroke or not, paying attention to your oral health is important. You can prevent or reverse an early stage of gum disease by brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist or orthodontist.   

If you are looking for highly trained dentists in Edmonton, turn to Edmonton Smiles. We provide dental cleaning, dental X-rays, and dental crowns to address your needs. With our more than 20 years of experience in the industry, you are assured we can keep your oral health in check. Contact us today to book an appointment!

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