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In recent years, more studies have been exploring the relationship between oral and cardiovascular health.

While the available evidence is still limited, there are several theories that explain the possible mechanisms behind this relationship.

What is gum disease?

Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is an infection of the gums that harms the soft tissue. About two-thirds of people over age 65 are thought to have gum disease.

This condition starts when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria and food, builds up around the teeth. In the earliest stage (gingivitis), irritated gums can bleed easily.

If left untreated, over time periodontitis can destroy the bone that supports the teeth, resulting in loose teeth or tooth loss.
Experts say that some symptoms can indicate the presence of gum disease:

• Pain while chewing
• Inflamed or swollen gums that are bright red, dark red, or purple, that are sensitive to touch or bleed easily.
• Loose teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• New spaces between the teeth
• Pus between the teeth and gums
• Tooth floss that looks pink after it is used, or spitting out blood after brushing or flossing.

How does it affect the heart?

Gum disease is not just an unpleasant condition that affects tooth structure or damages self-esteem. In recent years, several studies have shown that it can also impact cardiovascular health.

While not all people who have gum disease have heart problems, and vice versa, there may be a correlation between these two conditions.

An article published in the Journal of Dental Research analyzed the medical records of nearly 5,300 participants and found that people with poor dental health had double the risk of developing coronary artery disease compared to those who had optimal oral health.

Another study published in the Journal of Oral Microbiology found that Porphyromonas gingivalis, a bacterium that lives under the gums, is the type of bacteria most often found in the coronary and femoral arteries.

And an article published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology that analyzed over a million people (one of the largest sample sizes analyzing this comparison to date) suggested that, although poor oral health doesn’t directly cause heart disease, there is a link between them that requires further study.

But what is the cause of this relationship? Although the link between these two conditions is still not fully understood, professionals have different theories on the subject.
In principle, the association could be explained by shared risk factors, including poor diet, smoking, or lack of health care access.

Other professionals emphasize the role of inflammation. Inflammation is a process that occurs when the immune system detects a foreign agent, such as bacteria or a virus.

The aim of this response is to protect the body from potential infections or injuries by using white blood cells. Once the danger disappears, the inflammation usually goes away.

However, if inflammation persists even when the body doesn’t feel threatened, it can become a problem and even lead to tissue and organ damage.

Gum inflammation may set off a cascading reaction that ends up affecting the cardiovascular system.

Another answer to the relationship between oral and cardiovascular health may be found in gum bacteria. Experts explain that these microorganisms may enter the blood supply and travel to different destinations, including the heart, where they cause inflammation and damage.

It’s not just the heart that may be affected

Although cardiovascular problems related to gum disease are one of the aspects that researchers have studied the most, there is also evidence that poor oral health may be related to other conditions:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Cancer
• Dementia
• Diabetes
• Erectile dysfunction
• Bone problems
• Respiratory problems

How to prevent gum disease

Gum disease is common, especially in older adults. But experts say that there are some habits that may help you maintain good oral hygiene and reduce the risk of this condition and, therefore, cardiovascular problems:

• Brush your teeth and tongue with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day.
• Floss between the teeth and gums at least once a day.
• Use mouthwash regularly.
• Maintain a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, grains, and seeds. At the same time, reduce your consumption of ultra-processed foods that are high in sugar, salt, and fat.
• Control your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
• Avoid smoking, vaping, and chewing tobacco.
  
• Don’t ignore any symptom of gum disease. Visit the dentist twice a year for a checkup and general cleaning.

Sources: National Library of Medicine; Mayo Clinic; Harvard Medical School; National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research; World Health Organization (WHO).