As World Oral Health Day (March 20) is observed, it’s an opportune moment to highlight the importance of oral hygiene — not just for keeping cavities at bay, but for safeguarding overall health, including heart health.
While many people associate poor oral hygiene with toothaches and cavities, the consequences may be more severe than previously thought. Research has shown a connection between poor oral health, such as gum disease and tooth loss, and an increased risk of cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks and strokes. According to Harvard Health, people with gum disease or poor oral health are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular issues compared to those with healthy gums.
But how do these two seemingly unrelated parts of the body influence each other?
The Connection: Gum Disease and Heart Health
A study published in the American Journal of Medicine suggests that gum disease could potentially lead to “deteriorating cardiovascular health due to chronic systemic inflammation.” Dr. Nora Heng, a dental specialist in periodontics at Raffles Dental, explains that poor gum health often results from bacterial infections, which can enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammation in the heart. This could contribute to heart disease.
Dr. Chee Hoe Kiat, senior consultant at the National Dental Centre Singapore (NDS), supports this notion, emphasizing that research indicates people with gum disease have a higher risk of developing heart disease. “Scientists believe that inflammation caused by periodontal disease may be responsible for the association,” he says.
Understanding Gum Disease
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the gums. It is primarily caused by the buildup of plaque, which harbors bacteria and leads to gum infections.
While gum disease can affect anyone, certain groups are more at risk, including diabetics, smokers, pregnant women, individuals with poor oral hygiene, and the elderly. Dr. Heng highlights that 90% of Singaporean adults suffer from some form of gum disease, with varying levels of severity. Yet, many are unaware of its significance. Dr. Chee adds that 68.9% of people are unaware that regular dental check-ups are crucial for preventing gum disease and maintaining good oral health. This gap in awareness signals the need for greater public education about the importance of oral hygiene.
A Global Concern
The prevalence of gum disease is not limited to Singapore. Dr. Heng points to the 2010 Global Burden of Disease Study, which identified severe gum disease as the sixth most prevalent disease worldwide. “Periodontal diseases are common and represent a significant global health issue,” she notes.
Is Heart Disease Inevitable with Gum Disease?
While poor gum health may increase the risk of heart disease, it does not guarantee it. “Poor gum health does not mean imminent heart disease, but it can elevate risk factors, particularly for individuals already dealing with cardiovascular problems,” says Dr. Heng. Dr. Chee acknowledges that while the association between gum disease and cardiovascular issues is well-documented, the causal relationship remains unconfirmed.
Other factors, including genetics, lifestyle, diet, and exercise, also play crucial roles in heart health. Dr. Jacinta Lu, head of the Division of Periodontics at the National University Centre for Oral Health Singapore, agrees that lifestyle factors such as smoking and poor diet have a stronger link to heart disease. However, she emphasizes that for people with pre-existing heart conditions, gum disease can exacerbate inflammation and potentially worsen their condition.
Gum Disease: A Sign of Other Health Problems
Gum disease can also signal underlying health issues beyond heart disease. Dr. Chee explains that it may be a sign of unrecognized diabetes, as individuals with severe gum disease may unknowingly have diabetes. A recent study by NDS found that 6.1% of participants without prior knowledge of diabetes were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.
Dr. Lu also warns that untreated gum disease may be an oral manifestation of uncontrolled diabetes, particularly in individuals with a family history of the condition. “For patients presenting with oral symptoms, it’s advisable to undergo a blood sugar test to check for underlying diabetes,” she advises.
Protecting Both Gum and Heart Health
Improving gum health can potentially reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering systemic inflammation. Dr. Heng explains, “Improving gum health reduces inflammation, which lowers the overall inflammatory burden on the body, including the heart.”
Dr. Chee supports this, stating that treating gum disease reduces plaque buildup and prevents harmful bacteria from entering the bloodstream, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease.
Effective Oral Hygiene Practices
While brushing twice a day is essential, it may not be enough. Dr. Lu explains that brushing can only clean the surfaces of the teeth and gumline, leaving spaces between teeth untouched. To address this, she recommends using dental floss or interdental brushes to clean between teeth and remove plaque.
Regular dental visits are also crucial for maintaining good oral health, as they allow for professional cleaning and early detection of potential issues. Dr. Chee stresses the importance of flossing, noting that this simple practice can significantly improve both gum and heart health. A recent study published in the Journal of American Dental Association found that flossing at least once a week may be linked to a lower risk of stroke and irregular heartbeats.
In conclusion, while gum disease may not directly cause heart disease, its impact on overall inflammation and its potential to exacerbate existing health conditions underscores the importance of good oral hygiene for maintaining both oral and heart health.
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