Dental Health and Heart Health? Are They Connected?

We’re willing to bet that you’ve never considered oral health as a contributor to heart health?

And why would you ever consider this, it seems considerably far-fetched.

Believe it or not, the two actually are intertwined in a really interesting way.

Research has proven that there are actually a few links between your oral health and your heart. It has been determined that those with varying degrees of gum disease such as gingivitis, are nearly twice at risk for heart disease.

Out of 320 adult involved in a study, half of them having heart disease, researchers found that the participants were actually more likely to have gum disease, tooth loss, and bleeding gums.

But what is the actual connection? A bit of uncertainty shrouds the topic at the present time.

“There is a very logical reason why the two may be connected,” says Peter M. Spalding, DDS, associate professor in the department of growth and development at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry in Lincoln.

Experts are beginning to understand that the real reason of cardiovascular disease is related to inflammation.

Many types of bacteria normally reside in your mouth, but if you do not tend to it in an efficient manner, your risk for gum disease increases. That part we know, but there is more to it. Once that bacterium in your mouth has developed, you encourage an environment for bacteria that do not typically occur in your mouth according to Dr. Spalding.

Going deeper, gum disease can cause your gums to bleed, bacteria can move into your bloodstream, thus setting up an inflammatory process within your blood vessels.

And yet, how is this all related to your heart?

The fact of the matter is that the bacteria can increase your risk for heart disease by contributing to the formation of clots, or even advanced plaque build-up in your arteries. If this occurs, it can potentially interfere with the blood flow to your heart.

There are still a few unanswered questions regarding this connection, and Dr. Spalding claims it will require a bit more research to determine the specific cause and effect that links the two. “We’re not going to have the answers to these questions for quite some time.”

Though there is still some mystery surrounding the issue, it is still imperative that you tell your dentist in Brooklyn Heights if and when you experience any of these symptoms, as they are indicators of possible gum disease.

– Persistent Bad Breath

– Bleeding Gums

– Swollen gums

-Sensitive teeth

-Loose teeth

-Pain when chewing

If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment with our dentists, Dr. Evelina Tolchinsky DDS or Dr. Inna Trogan DDS, then please call our office today! (718) 246-5677

Our dentists have served the residents of Brooklyn Heights, Fort Greene, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Dumbo, and all of our other surrounding New York communities for years.

You can find our office in the heart of beautiful Brooklyn Heights at 100 Pineapple Walk, Brooklyn, NY 11201