To Prevent Heart Disease Take Care of Your Teeth?

Answer 1

It may be surprising to some, but Heart disease and bleeding gums are related. If people take such poor care of their teeth that a film of plaque covers them without ever being removed, these people will be more susceptible to heart attacks. Whether people have a current heart condition or not, they need to make sure that they take good care of their teeth to keep their hearts healthy.

As people eat foods that contain sugars or starches, the bacteria within these substances release the acids that destroy the tooth's enamel. It remains on the teeth, the gums and dental work in the form of a sticky film that constantly releases bacteria. As time goes on, the bacteria cause the gums to become inflamed and begin to bleed. This condition is called gingivitis.

After gingivitis develops, the next step is for periodontal disease to appear. This is when the gums recede leaving the bone vulnerable to being attacked by the bacteria. Periodontal disease is also the condition that can lead to heart disease. The fact that the bacteria have the opportunity to easily enter into the blood stream and travel to the heart is the reason that scientists believe periodontal disease leads to heart disease. It also may be because when the gums are inflamed, the condition can spread to the heart and also cause the heart to become inflamed.

Diabetes also plays a role in gum disease and heart disease. Diabetics are more susceptible to contracting gum disease than others, possibly because they contract infections more easily. This raises their risk of heart disease above that of the rest of the population. So, diabetics need to be highly vigilant in caring for their teeth.

Because of the link between heart disease and periodontal disease, cardiologists are being taught to ask their patients if they are suffering from gum disease. Similarly, periodontists also have been included in this discussion; they are encouraged to ask their patients with gum disease if they have heart disease in their families or in their own history. Patients who aren't being asked these questions may want to bring it up with their physicians.

One way to keep the heart healthy is to make sure to practice good oral hygiene habits. People will want to be sure to brush their teeth regularly if they aren't in the habit of doing already. They may also want to limit how much food they eat that contains sugars and starches. Regular visits to the dentist twice a year for cleanings also will contribute to a healthy mouth and less heart disease.