Oral Health and Your Heart

A healthy smile does the heart good ... literally! Did you know that the state of your dental health can greatly impact your physical health?

Link Between Periodontal and Heart Diseases

Numerous studies have shown a real relationship between periodontal disease and risks for cardiovascular and other diseases. One recent study conducted by researchers at London’s University College determined that people who brushed their teeth infrequently had a whopping 70% higher risk of developing heart disease. This is due, in part, to oral bacteria resulting from chronic gum infection leaching into the bloodstream and attaching to fatty plaque in the arteries.

Poor Oral Hygiene and Inflammation

Moreover, people with poor oral hygiene tested positive for inflammatory markers in the blood, particularly C-reactive protein. Elevated level of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) is a systemic marker of inflammation and a well documented risk factor for heart disease, even in otherwise healthy people. Researchers have known that a connection exists for some time, but were unclear as to the exact cause.

Reverse Works Too - Lose Weight For Healthy Gums

The Journal of Periodontology published a study reporting that oral bacterial byproducts entering the bloodstream trigger the liver to produce proteins such as CRP, which will inflame arteries and promote blood clotting. Dr. Stephen Offenbacher, a member of the American Academy of Periodontology, states “Periodontal disease needs to be considered as a major contributor to increased levels of CRP by the medical community.” What makes these recent findings noteworthy, Offenbacher observes, is that the study embraced oral examinations of over 5,000 adults in four U.S. communities—likely the largest study ever to confirm that periodontal disease and body mass are jointly associated with increased CRP in healthy adults. Lose weight … and keep your gums healthy!