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Stay Away From Gum Disease to Prevent Heart Disease!
 

The link between gum disease and heart disease had already been found in previous studies. Scientists suspect that the inflammation in the mouth and gum could lead to the build up of clogged arteries.

In 2002, a paper published by researchers from University of Liege, Liege, Belgium in the Journal of Periodontology confirmed that people with periodontal disease are more likely to have cardiovascular disease.

Researchers believed that diseased gum would release a high level of bacterial pro-inflammatory components, such as endotoxins, into the bloodstream in patients with severe periodontal disease. These harmful bacterial components could travel to other organs in the body, for instance heart, and cause harm.

Such findings were in fact in line with what the University of Buffalo’s researchers found: periodontal disease might be responsible for the release of oral bacterial components into the bloodstream, triggering the production of C-reactive proteins in liver. The proteins are believed to be a predictor for increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

Recently, a study published online by the British Medical Journal indicated that failure to brush teeth twice a day could significantly raise the risk of getting heart disease.

The study, conducted by researchers from University College London, is believed to be the first to find out the relationship between the frequency of brushing teeth and the risk of heart disease. Their findings showed that those who brushed less often were 70 percent riskier to develop heart disease than those who cleaned their teeth in the morning as well as in the night.

A group of 11,000 adult volunteers reported their lifestyle behavior, including the frequency of brushing their teeth. Their information on medical history and family history of heart disease, as well as blood pressure levels and blood samples were taken by nurses. These volunteers were followed for an average period of 8 years.

The researchers, however, admitted that the overall risk of developing heart disease resulting from poor oral hygiene remains fairly low. Most volunteers are conscientious about brushing their teeth. In fact, about 71 percent of the volunteers brushed their teeth at least twice a day.

As we all know, mouths are full of bacteria, which together with mucus and other particles will form plaque on teeth. Plaque can normally be removed by brushing and flossing. Plaque that is not removed can harden and form tartar, which cannot be cleaned by brushing alone. Only dentist or dental hygienist could remove these tartars.

When plaque is not removed after a long period of time, gingivitis could develop. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease in which the gums become red, swollen and can bleed easily. Such disease can usually be reversed by daily brushing and flossing, together with regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. But if gingivitis is not treated, then periodontitis could be resulted.

Periodontal disease affects about 15 percent of adults aged between 21 and 50, and about 30 percent aged above 50. The disease is caused by serious bacterial infections that destroy the attachment fibers and supporting bone that hold the teeth. This could make gums separate from the teeth and thus forming pockets that fill with plaque and even more infection. If patient does not seek treatment and allow the condition to worsen, the pockets will deepen even further and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. The teeth will eventually become lose.

Besides not brushing teeth, other risk factors, including smoking, hormonal changes in female, diabetes and other illnesses, taking other medications, and genetic susceptibility, can also cause gum disease.

It seems that the consequence of having gum disease is rather serious. So, are there any means to prevent it?

According to dental professionals, there are a couple of things that people can do to maintain oral hygiene and stay away from gum disease. For instance, one should brush the teeth twice a day, floss everyday, visit dentist regularly for check-up and cleaning. Meanwhile, having a well balanced diet and not smoking can also help prevent gum disease.

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