Heart Disease: Keep Your Gums Healthy

Heart disease is a problem that affects millions of Americans. Many of us are aware that we can reduce heart disease risk through healthy habits, such as maintaining a healthy weight and lowering high blood pressure. What you may not know is that your dental habits may affect your heart, too.

Researchers are finding that people with gum disease are more likely to have heart disease than people with healthy gums.^{1, 2} Gum disease is an infection of the tissue that supports the teeth.³ The bacteria involved in gum disease may contribute to heart problems by entering the bloodstream and causing clots to form in blood vessels. If a clot blocks an artery, a heart attack can occur. Also, bacteria may cause inflammation, which can cause plaque to build up in the arteries.⁴ Gum disease can even worsen existing heart conditions.⁵

Here’s what you can do to keep your gums healthy and protect your heart:

• Don’t smoke or chew tobacco.⁹
  

• Let your dentist know if you have heart disease; you may need antibiotics before certain dental treatments.⁷

• See your dentist if you notice bleeding or tender gums.⁸

• Eat a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Try to limit snacking between meals.
• Gently brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Pay special attention to the gum line.

• Floss your teeth once per day.⁶

• See your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups.

Try to reduce the amount of stress in your life. Research shows that stress can affect your body’s ability to fight infection, including gum disease.³ Reducing stress through regular exercise also can benefit your heart.¹⁰

¹ “Periodontal disease and coronary heart disease: an epidemiological and microbiological study.” M. Latronico et al. New Microbiol. July 2007, vol. 30, no. 3, pp. 221-28. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17802899 Accessed 2010.

² “Markers of Systemic Bacterial Exposure in Periodontal Disease and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” I. Mustapha et al. Journal of Periodontology. 2007, vol. 78, no. 12, pp. 2289-2302. www.joponline.org/doi/abs/10.1902/jop.2007.070140 Accessed 2010.

³ “Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments.” National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, July 23, 2008. www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/GumDiseases/PeriodontalGumDisease.htm Accessed 2010.

⁴ “Fimbria-dependent activation of pro-inflammatory molecules in Porphyromonas gingivalis infected human aortic endothelial cells.” Y. Takahashi et al. Cellular Microbiology. May 2006, vol. 8, no. 5, pp. 738-57. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16611224 Accessed 2010.

⁵ “Gum Disease Links to Heart Disease and Stroke.” American Academy of Periodontology, May 8, 2008. www.perio.org/consumer/mbc.heart.htm Accessed 2010.

⁶ “Cleaning Your Teeth and Gums.” Oral Health Topics, American Dental Association. www.ada.org/2624.aspx Accessed 2010.

⁷ “Cleaning Your Teeth and Gums FAQ.” Oral Health Topics, American Dental Association. www.ada.org/2624.aspx Accessed 2010.

⁸ “Antibiotics and Your Heart: New Guidelines from the American Heart Association.” American Dental Association. www.ada.org/3874.aspx?currentTab=1 Accessed 2010.

⁹ “Disease, Gum (Diseases, Periodontal)” American Dental Association. www.ada.org/3063.aspx?currentTab=1 Accessed 2010.

¹⁰ “Understanding Your Risk of Heart Attack.” American Heart Association. www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/UnderstandYourRiskofHeartAttack/Understand-Your-Risk-of-Heart-Attack_UCM_002040_Article.jsp Accessed 2010.