Unveiling the Link: Gum Disease and Heart Disease Connection
There is growing evidence that gum disease and heart disease are linked. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums that can damage the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. Heart disease is a general term for conditions that affect your heart and blood vessels. Inflammatory markers in blood have been increasingly studied in relation to both gum disease and heart disease, suggesting a potential connection between the two.
Here's how gum disease and heart disease might be connected:
Inflammation: Gum disease causes inflammation in the gums. This inflammation can release chemicals into the bloodstream that can travel throughout the body and contribute to inflammation in the arteries. Inflammation in the arteries is a major risk factor for heart disease.
Bacteria in the bloodstream: The bacteria that cause gum disease can enter the bloodstream through the inflamed gums. Once in the bloodstream, the bacteria can travel to the heart and attach to the heart valves, causing an infection.
People with gum disease are more likely to have heart disease, and people with heart disease are more likely to have gum disease. However, it is important to note that gum disease does not cause heart disease in everyone. There are many other risk factors for heart disease, such as smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Here are some things you can do to reduce your risk of both gum disease and heart disease:
Here are some things you can do to reduce your risk of both gum disease and heart disease:
Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day.
See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
Eat a healthy diet.
Exercise regularly.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Don't smoke.
