The leading cause of death in the United States is heart disease, followed by cancer. While there are many risk factors that can contribute to heart disease, gum disease is one of them. Extensive research shows that poor oral health increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Scientists have also discovered that some individuals with poor oral health, such as gum disease, have 3 times the risk of suffering from a heart attack and/or stroke compared to patients with a healthy mouth.
While the exact link between poor oral health and heart disease is not fully clear, there are a few theories that are backed by science.
Bacteria that causes gum disease, and the inflammation associated can travel throughout the bloodstream. These bacteria can cause damage to blood vessels that can lead to heart health complications such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart attack, and stroke.
The body’s inflammatory response can possibly be to blame for the connection between oral bacteria and heart disease risk. Everybody’s response to certain bacteria is different, and those with a sensitive inflammation response could potentially have more risk for heart disease complications than those with a lesser response.
Research estimates that there can also be confounding factors related to the increase in heart disease and gum disease. Individuals who are of lower socioeconomic status often have an increased risk of all health conditions.
With heart disease standing as the leading cause of death for Americans, it's crucial to do everything to reduce this risk as much as possible. Taking care of your oral health can potentially reduce the risk of heart disease. It's important to discuss oral health concerns with your dentist and review your medical history in detail to ensure a comprehensive approach can be provided.