Did you know that the benefits of maintaining oral health go beyond your mouth?
Oral health—the health of your teeth, gums, alveolar bone, etc.—plays a more significant role than you think. Sure, it keeps your gums and teeth clean and healthy. It also helps with basic human activities like chewing, but if research is any indication, it may help with the early detection of many medical concerns.
According to a 2021 article, poor oral health could be linked to the mortality of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among older people. In fact, periodontal disease could make you twice as likely to have heart disease!
It seems inconceivable, but there are unseen processes at work here.
The Connection Between Oral Health and Heart Disease
Healthy People 2020 identified oral health as a leading health indicator for a reason. A 2016 article showed that periodontal disease can have notable physiological effects, such as increased inflammation and coagulation, which are similar to or antagonize the pathogens of coronary heart disease (CHD). This is backed by a meta-analysis that discussed the association between heart disease and patients diagnosed with periodontal disease.
What supports this link? Periodontitis compromises the integrity of tooth-supporting tissues. This is likely due to the effect of a triadic group of oral anaerobic bacteria, namely P. gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and Tannerella forsythia which are found at the disease site.
The loss of tissue attachment could cause destructive inflammation (read our beginners guide to understanding neuroinflammation)—the body’s natural response to infection. It could potentially trigger a cascade of adverse effects by acting as a breeding ground for bacteria. Smoking and an unhealthy diet could also contribute to it.
When you eat, brush, or floss, these bacteria can enter your bloodstream, migrate to different parts of the body, and attach themselves to damaged areas where they encourage the production of C-reactive protein (a marker in the blood that is linked to inflammation). This leads to blood vessel inflammation due to the forming of plaque on the inside walls of the arteries.
It could make you susceptible to atherosclerosis which could lead to a heart attack, stroke, aneurysm, or blood clots.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease affects 2 out of every 5 American adults. And, since cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are globally responsible for claiming an estimated 17.9 million lives annually, it’s more important than ever to seek treatment when the first symptoms are detected.
Unfortunately, gum disease can creep up on you. You may not know you have it until it reaches its advanced stages. The best thing you can do is to keep an eye out for the following tell-tale symptoms:
- Changes in the way your teeth fit while eating food or biting
- Changes in the fit of your partial dentures
- Gum recession—when your gums pull away from the teeth, making them look longer
- Gums that easily bleed when you brush or floss
- Loose teeth
- New extra gaps between teeth
- Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
- Pus (infection) between your gums and teeth
- Red/purplish, inflamed, swollen, or tender gums
- Tooth loss
If you have any of these symptoms, see a doctor ASAP to avoid irreversible damage. Your practitioner will take your medical history into account, examine your mouth, and perform dental X-rays to determine the severity of the problem. According to your prognosis, they may suggest:
Root Planning and Scaling
These deep-cleaning treatments are typically done under local anesthesia. They remove tartar and bacteria from the surfaces of the teeth as well as above and below the gum line while smoothing out rough areas. This procedure can help prevent further buildup and helps your gums reattach to your teeth.
Surgery
If you have advanced gum disease and less invasive treatments have done little to help, your dentist might recommend one of the following surgeries:
- Bone Grafting: If the bone around your tooth root is destroyed, a graft made from bits of your own bone or artificial or natural (donated) materials is used to keep your teeth in place. It can also encourage new bone formation.
- Flap Surgery: Alternatively called pocket reduction surgery, it involves making small cuts in your gums and carefully folding a section of the tissue backward to expose the roots for the effective removal of tartar and bacteria.
- Guided Tissue Regeneration: Your dentist will place barrier membranes to keep soft tissue from growing into the gap, helping stimulate the regrowth of bone that was destroyed by the disease.
Soft tissue grafts can also be a viable mode of treatment. The procedure involves removing a small amount of healthy tissue from another area of your mouth (typically the roof) and attaching it to the site that’s experiencing gum disease or recession.
Oral Health: Prevention Is Better Than the Cure
Maintain the health of your teeth and gums with these practical tips:
- Brush your teeth thoroughly with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Do this twice a day to eliminate germs and plaque while preventing tooth decay.
- Brush your tongue with a tongue scraper to eliminate the bacteria it holds and prevent bad odors.
- Floss daily between the teeth to stimulate the gums and remove dental plaque.
- If you smoke tobacco, quit. A large 2018 study has found that while tooth loss is linked with cardiovascular disease, smoking plays an ever bigger role.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash to dislodge food particles from your teeth and freshen your breath.
- If your medication causes dry mouth, ask your doctor to change the dose. You can also drink plenty of water and chew sugar-free gum to keep the saliva flowing.
- Eat a healthy diet full of crunchy fruits and veggies. Try to limit sugary and acidic foods as they can wear down the tooth enamel.
Finally, visit your dentist at least twice a year to tackle potential issues like cavities and gum disease early on. This applies even to those who have dentures and no natural teeth. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Conclusion: Healthy Teeth and Gums, Healthy Heart
Because there’s a strong association between oral health and cardiovascular disease, take small, consistent steps to maintain oral health. It will help you keep your teeth in good condition, improve overall health, and give you a beautiful smile.