Did you know that the health of your gums can affect your heart?

Oral health specialists are paying increasing attention to the relationship between oral health and the risk of cardiovascular problems in the future. While at first glance these two areas may seem unconnected, in recent years there has been much research showing how chronic gum infections, such as periodontitis, have a closer than expected link to the development of heart disease.

How periodontal disease affects the heart

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammation that occurs when bacteria accumulate in the gums and tissues near the teeth. It is a fairly common problem in the population that, in milder cases, is known as gingivitis, which causes redness, swelling and bleeding in the gums. If not treated correctly, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, where bacteria and inflammation damage the tissues that support the teeth.

This disease can cause tooth loss, but the condition does not only affect the mouth. When the gums become infected, bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis can pass into the bloodstream and reach other parts of the body.

Risk of atherosclerosis

When oral bacteria manage to enter the bloodstream, they generate an inflammatory reaction throughout the body that can increase oxidative stress, a process that damages cells and promotes the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the walls of the arteries. These plaques accumulate over time, causing the arteries to narrow and become harder.

This disorder, known as atherosclerosis, makes blood circulation more difficult, affecting important arteries and increasing the risk of suffering complications such as hypertension or heart failure, i.e. the heart is unable to pump blood properly.

Risk of myocardial infarction

More recent research has revealed that people who suffer from periodontitis are 30% more likely to suffer a myocardial infarction, that is, a heart attack, compared to those who do not suffer from this disease. This increased risk is due precisely to the chronic inflammation caused by periodontitis, which affects both the gums and the coronary arteries, which are responsible for carrying blood to the heart.

The atherosclerotic plaques mentioned above hinder circulation and force the heart to work harder to pump blood to all corners of the body. At any time, this can cause blockages that in turn can trigger a myocardial infarction.

Stroke risk

Continued inflammation in the gums and tissues of the mouth can facilitate the formation of blood clots, which are small accumulations of blood and other substances that clump together and become more dense. These clots can also move through the bloodstream and reach other parts of the body, including the brain.

The instant a clot blocks an artery that carries blood to the brain, oxygen and nutrients are prevented from reaching the cells, raising the risk of stroke. Depending on the area that has been affected, it can lead to loss of motor skills, slurred speech, paralysis or problems with memory and concentration.

The importance of dental checkups in cardiac care

Several studies have found that periodontitis is a significant risk factor for heart-related diseases, along with smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Because of this close relationship, specialists suggest that dental checkups should be part of cardiovascular care protocols, so that both periodontal disease can be treated and possible consequences for patients' heart health can be detected early . It is recommended that periodontists, cardiologists and other health professionals work as a team. In this way, they can offer a comprehensive and personalized treatment to each patient.

Ongoing maintenance through professional deep cleanings to remove dental biofilm and tartar, as well as regular visits to the dentist, is usually enough to prevent periodontal disease from recurring. This is provided that simple habits are followed, such as brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing to remove food debris and biofilm between the teeth, and eating a healthy diet to help reduce inflammation.

Oral and cardiovascular health education and prevention

It is also important to keep in mind that both periodontal disease and heart problems affect your quality of life. People with both conditions often experience constant pain and have difficulty doing everyday things like eating or talking, which complicates their day-to-day lives.

Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the impact that oral health has on the overall health of our body, so it is key to always rely on your dentist's recommendations to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent heart disease and other general long-term conditions. Lack of awareness and education about the importance of maintaining a healthy mouth is one of the reasons why many people do not take the necessary preventive measures.

In short, there are already many studies that show how chronic gum infections can increase the risk of developing heart problems such as atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes. The relationship that has been found between oral health and the heart reflects how essential it is to take care of dental hygiene and visit the dentist regularly. It's a simple step that not only ensures you prevent problems in your mouth, but also protects your heart and your overall health.