Yet another study has linked gum disease to heart disease. The same inflammation that comes with gum disease affects your blood and your heart. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, people with gum disease are twice as likely to have heart disease.
In fact, one study found that oral problems such as cavities, missing teeth, and gum disease were as a good a predictor of heart disease as cholesterol. Scientists aren’t sure exactly how gum disease is linked with heart disease, but they do know that bacteria can enter your blood stream through your gums. This same bacteria has been found clumped in artery plaques. It may be that the bacteria adhere to artery plaques, or it may be that the body’s natural defenses to the bacteria form the plaque.
Either way, you can do something about it, and the treatment is cheap! Flossing and brushing your teeth is the best way to fend off gum disease. If you keep your mouth clean, it’s very hard for gum disease to get started. If you have a history of heart disease, ask your dentist about taking an antibiotic when you get dental procedures done, including cleanings.
I am a Duke Integrative Medicine trained Health Coach located in Charlotte, NC. I hold a B.S. and M.A. in Wellness Management. I have a passion for health and for helping others achieve the healthy life they desire.