Don't underestimate dental health. Caring for teeth and gums can bring benefits not only for oral health, but also for heart health and overall body health.
Medical experts have long examined the relationship between dental health and the health of other body organs. Disorders that occur in the teeth and gums are known to cause various other more serious diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, dementia, pregnancy disorders, and strokes.
Several studies related to the relationship of gum disease with heart health revealed that:
- Gum disease is a risk factor for coronary heart disease.
- People with fewer teeth and more gum disease have a higher risk of stroke.
- There is a relationship between clogged arteries in the legs and gum disease.
However, various other studies find the opposite, so that further research is still needed to ensure this relationship.
How Do Gums Disorders Harm the Heart?
Although experts have not found a direct link between toothache and gum with cardiovascular health, there are a number of reasons why these two may be related. One reason is inflammation, which is found in gingivitis (an early stage of gum disease) and also in atheroscellosis (the narrowing process of arteries). The inflammatory process that occurs in gum disease will then also trigger the occurrence of blocked blood vessels that can affect the performance of the heart.
Gum pain is mainly caused by bacteria, due to the buildup of plaque which initially looks harmless. But in some people who are more vulnerable, the body can overreact to bacteria and cause inflammation that doesn't fully subside. This process of inflammation slowly and in the long run is thought to cause interference with the blood vessels of the heart and brain.
The second reason underlying the possible link between toothache and gum with heart health is the similarity in the type of bacteria. Bacteria found in gum disease are also found in blood vessels that have atherosclerosis.
There are two main types of gum disorders:
- Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gums, where the gums are painful, swollen, and red.
- Periodintitis: The formation of pus-filled sacs near the root of a tooth, due to bacterial infection. This type of concern is risky to cause heart problems because bacteria and toxins can spread to other body parts. This can happen because the gums contain many blood vessels that can carry bacteria to other members of the body.
Many people with periodontal disorders also suffer from diabetes and lead an unhealthy lifestyle, which is a risk factor for heart disease. Therefore, patients who experience moderate to severe gum pain, smokers, and suffer from high blood pressure, are encouraged to do a heart examination.
Even so, it does not mean that people who have poor dental and gum health are necessarily more at risk of having a heart attack, or vice versa, people with good dental and gum health certainly have a healthy heart. Besides oral health, there are still many other factors that can cause heart disease.
Although dental and gum health are not the main requirements for heart health, there is no harm in caring for teeth and gum health, among others by brushing teeth at least twice a day, checking teeth and gums to the dentist regularly (6 months), changing toothbrushes at least once every three months, and immediately see a dentist if you experience tooth and gum disorders. Quitting smoking and maintaining ideal body weight is also something you need to do, to reduce your risk of heart disease.
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