Poor Oral Health Affects the Heart in Multiple Ways

The AHA! Team — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 06:21:40 +0000

Sara Middleton via NaturalHealth365 – Did you know that nearly half of all people over 30 have some degree of gum disease? In fact, even the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) admits, many Americans either already have poor oral health or are well on their way to developing it. This may come as a surprise, but bad teeth and foul breath aren’t the only problems gum disease causes. A September meta-analysis and systematic review published in Cardiovascular Research found that having periodontitis – an advanced form of gum disease – increases your chances of having hypertension, a major heart attack risk factor. Furthermore, a November 2023 review in Periodontology 2000 examined the role of periodontitis as an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, highlighting the need to address this overlooked connection to reduce cardiovascular health risks. 3 shocking ways poor oral health affects heart health The scientific and medical communities overwhelmingly agree that poor oral health can damage your heart and increase your risk for high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. But how? In the Cardiovascular Research paper, researchers analyzed 81 studies of the link between gum disease and hypertension (high blood pressure). Based on this large collection of data, they found that moderate to severe gum disease increased a person’s risk of hypertension by 22%. Severe gum disease increases a person’s risk by as much as 49%! In other words, poor oral health can significantly increase your risk for hypertension, which we know is a major stroke and heart attack risk factor. Investigators believe the increased inflammation caused by gum disease and oral bacteria are major phenomena behind this link. Their findings have major implications. They note that even just a modest rise in blood pressure (say, +5 mmHg) may increase a person’s risk of death from heart attack or stroke by as much as 25%! And as if this isn’t heartbreaking enough, poor oral health can also increase a person’s risk for diabetes, cancer, and (in pregnant women) low birth weight and premature delivery. Now for the good news: Proper oral healthcare can improve your lifespan A cohort study published in the Journal of Aging Research found that brushing teeth every night, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly were associated with increased longevity in older adults. Even though this study has some flaws, the findings make sense: keeping your teeth and gums healthy can reduce your risk of the many health problems associated with poor health, thus increasing your life expectancy. Plus, it’s reasonable to say that a person committed enough to practicing healthy teeth habits daily is also likely to practice other healthy habits, like exercising, avoiding sugary drinks and foods, and not smoking. What’s the takeaway? Be the kind of person who brushes and flosses daily – it could save your life! Understand the top warning signs of gum disease You might assume that if you have gum disease, you’d know it. True, most of the signs and symptoms of gum disease are fairly noticeable, but some – like a change in how your teeth fit together when you bite down or persistent bad breath – are easy to miss. Here are the other top warning signs to look out for: Gums that bleed while brushing, eating hard foods, and flossing Red, tender, and swollen gums Gums that recede from the teeth, which makes the teeth look longer Pain, tenderness, or sores in your mouth Loose teeth Even if you think your teeth and gums are perfectly healthy, you should still visit a qualified, biological (or holistic) dentist at least once or twice yearly. Naturally, if you have serious oral health issues, you may need to see a dentist more often for checkups. At home, oil pulling, sea salt rinses, hydrofloss, and herbal mouthwashes can also be helpful. Editor’s note: Discover the best ways to avoid the threats posed by poor oral health, own the Holistic Oral Health Summit created by NaturalHealth365 Programs. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov Medicalnewstoday.com Medicalnewstoday.com Academic.oup.com Perio.org NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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BRAND NEW STUDY Finds People With Gum Disease Are at Increased Risk of Mental Illness

AHA Publisher — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 08:00:17 +0000

Sara Middleton via NaturalHealth365 – Could your mouth hold the clue to your future mental health? New research from the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom highlights an important connection between gum disease and the risk of mental illness, heart health problems, and more. People With Gum Disease Have a Nearly 40% Increased Risk of Mental Illness Compared to People With Good Dental Health The team of UK researchers recently published the results of their study, which set out to “identify the association between periodontal diseases (gingivitis and periodontitis) and chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, cardiometabolic disease, autoimmune disease, and mental ill-health.” The study, “Burden of chronic diseases associated with periodontal diseases: a retrospective cohort study using UK primary care data,” was published on December 20, 2021, in BMJ Open. After poring over medical records 64,379 patients with either gingivitis (mild gum disease) or periodontitis (advanced gum disease involving infection and inflammation of the gums as well as tooth-supporting bones of the jaw), and comparing these patients to a cohort of 251,161 people without documented diagnoses of gum disease, the researchers discovered the following associations: People with gum disease were 37% more likely to be diagnosed with a mental health condition like depression or anxiety over an average of three years compared to people without gum disease The risk of autoimmune disease for people with gum disease was elevated by 33% The risk of developing cardiovascular disease increased by 18% The risk of type 2 diabetes increased by 26% Several possible explanations drive this link between poor oral health and chronic disease. For instance, regarding heart disease, the researchers suggest that patients with periodontitis have “elevated circulating levels of pro-inflammatory mediators implicated in atherosclerosis,” as well as transient bacteremia (bacterial infection in the blood) that could be harmful. Similar mechanisms could explain the harmful link between gum disease and other conditions. It could also be that people who don’t take good care of their oral health are less likely to maintain other healthy lifestyle habits that could otherwise prevent things like heart failure and diabetes. Are You at Risk of Advanced Gum Disease? Here Are Six Early Warning Signs to Look Out For Healthy gums and teeth are important for more than just making sure your smile looks good, and your breath doesn’t smell. With the release of this UK study, we now have even more data linking advanced gum disease to future chronic ailments like stroke, dementia, and depression. Keep in mind, before developing full-on periodontitis, your gums will become inflamed and irritated due to the milder form of gum disease known as gingivitis. According to the Mayo Clinic, the warning signs and symptoms of gingivitis – which can be reversed with proper oral care and consistent dental hygiene – include the following: Swollen or puffy gums Red or dark red gums Gums that bleed easily, especially when brushing or flossing Bad breath Receding gums (your teeth may start to appear longer) Tender gums Daily flossing and brushing, a healthy diet, and routine cleanings and examinations with a dentist can help you treat and get rid of gingivitis symptoms and hopefully avoid the more advanced stages of gum disease. Once advanced gum disease does develop – the point at which the soft tissue and bones supporting your teeth become infected – additional signs and symptoms will develop, including: Pus between the teeth and gums Loose teeth or lost teeth Painful chewing New spaces developing between your teeth A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite At this stage, the focus of care switches from prevention to managing symptoms and slowing disease progression, and managing and avoiding other associated health conditions. Just know, it is never too late to start improving your oral health habits – and instilling healthy oral habits in your loved ones, too. The effort is well worth it! Editor’s note: Did you know that 80% of disease symptoms are caused by problems in the mouth? Find out how to reverse gum disease plus much more inside the Holistic Oral Health Summit. Click Here to Get Instant Access Today Sources for this article include: Sciencedaily.com BMJ.com MayoClinic.org MayoClinic.org To read the original article click here.

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Poor Oral Health Affects the Heart in Multiple Ways

BRAND NEW STUDY Finds People With Gum Disease Are at Increased Risk of Mental Illness