SEEING IS BELIEVING

BRUSH YOUR

TEETH A LESSER KNOWN RISK FOR HEART DISEASE BY NICOLE CRAM

Common risks factors for heart disease, like smoking and high cholesterol, have been well documented for decades. But in 2012 the American Heart Association announced a correlation to heart disease that may surprise you: poor oral hygiene. “Heart disease and periodontal disease are not only directly correlated and often present with one another, but they both have something very important in common: they are often silent conditions,” said Dr. Elizabeth Abell of Harbor Point Dentistry.

The mouth is the gateway to the body, so it makes sense that harmful bacteria can enter the body through the mouth. If you’re unfamiliar with periodontal disease, it’s the result of infections and inflammation of the gums surrounding your teeth. Your gums support your teeth and serve as a foundation to hold the bone in place. When it becomes inflamed, the gums will pull away from your teeth, which can cause a more serious condition called periodontitis, where teeth can loosen or even fall out.

The CDC estimates that 47.2% of adults over 30 have some form of periodontal disease, and it gets worse with age; 70.1% of adults over the age of 65 experience periodontal disease.

“The theory is that if you have bleeding gums, then bad bacteria can enter the blood stream,” said Dr. Kowalyk of BriteTeeth Dentistry. “That can lead to two things: If the bad bacteria reaches the heart, the bacteria will set up shop on any existing damage to the heart and valves. A second concern is clogged arteries. When bad bacteria gets into the blood stream, it can cause inflammation of the arteries, which can swell or become blocked, and can lead to blood clots or strokes.” Doctors have found plaque that originated in the mouth within the heart of some patients suffering from heart disease. “There have been studies conducted during autopsies regarding heart attack and stroke victims that concluded that the bacteria found on the harmful plaque was from periodontal origin,” said Dr. Abell, DMD. This can mean that the harmful bacteria present in plaque in the heart originated in the mouth and found its way to some patients’ hearts. Dr. Haire, Associate Dentist at ROC Dental Group, shared, “The common signs of periodontal disease are often gums that bleed, recede or are sensitive. You can also have a bad taste in your mouth or feel loose teeth for no reason.” While we assume that periodontal disease is associated with pain in the mouth or cavities, that’s not always the case.“When you are diagnosed with periodontal disease, it’s the foundation of your tooth that is DENTAL HEALTH AFFECTS MORE THAN YOUR TEETH AND GUMS { } DID YOU KNOW? experiencing the problem,” said Dr. Elizabeth Abell. “Your gum tissue is the foundation that holds the tooth in place. With periodontal disease, bacteria can destroy the underlying gum and bone level resulting in mobility of the tooth.” Basically, a patient’s foundation can fail even without the presence of pain or cavities.

So what can people do to make sure oral health doesn’t impact their heart? Different dental offices have different protocols for treating periodontal disease, but the general consensus is to practice good oral hygiene by: • Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing your teeth twice per day. • Brushing your tongue each day, which is where most of the bacteria in your mouth is located. • Visiting the dentist every six months for regular cleanings and X-rays. • Letting your dentist know if you are experiencing bleeding gums or have any loose teeth.

“You only have a window of opportunity to successfully treat periodontal disease and stabilize the dentition, and only then will your overall health benefit from proper oral healthcare,” said Dr. Abell. “This is why it is so important to have your teeth professionally cleaned for a proper diagnosis in addition to regular home care such as brushing and flossing.”