Recent research is finding a strong link between the health of your teeth, gums, and your cardiovascular health. Although this idea appears rather odd at first glance, there seems to be a connection between gum and tooth disease and the condition of your arteries. Studies have looked at the correlation of the presence of gingivitis, gum disease, and the presence of hardening of the arteries and found that in many patients, when one is present, so is the other.
Medical researchers don’t know yet whether one causes the other and if it does, which one causes the other. What they do know is that the presence of tooth and gum disease can be an early indicator of cardiovascular problems. It seems that the same bacteria may be responsible for both atherosclerosis, hardening of the arteries, and gum disease. How this connection works is the mystery.
One study looked at over 600 patients who had no identified heart problems and found that those with particular bacteria in the mouth were more likely to have atherosclerosis in the main artery in the neck. The carotid artery is the one that takes oxygenated blood to the brain. When it becomes clogged, strokes can occur.
Atherosclerosis develops when fatty deposits build up in the arteries, often accompanied by the same bacteria that cause problems in the mouth. When arteries become clogged, the blood supply to vital organs including the heart and brain occur. This can lead to heart attack or stroke.
Medical professionals are unsure of the process involved in plaque formation in the arteries but believe one culprit could be the body’s own reaction to the bacteria circulating in the blood stream. Inflammation is the body’s natural reaction to disease causing bacteria and infection. The swelling that accompanies inflammation may further decrease the diameter of the artery, slowing blood passage even more and possibly causing clots to form.
The big question raised by the resent research is whether better oral hygiene can help prevent cardiovascular problems. No one is sure of the answer, but the consensus is that taking better care of your mouth just may improve heart health, so why not increase flossing and tooth brushing?
While researchers are attempting to discover the mechanisms behind the connection between heart health and dental health, it certainly can’t hurt to add good dental hygiene to your daily routine. Don’t forget to address heart healthy diet and exercise; brushing your teeth doesn’t mean you can revert to eating a fast food diet while sitting on the couch all day!
Eating right and increasing movement in your daily routine also help your immune system function optimally. This may be one of the keys to reducing the bacteria population that can damage your gums, teeth and cardiovascular system.
To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885 anytime
Skype: Monique371
