Why is gum disease a risk factor for coronary heart disease and what can you do to manage this risk?

Answer 1

People with gum disease are at risk for cardiovascular disease because the oral bacteria that build up with dental plaque can enter the bloodstream and contribute to inflammation, formation of blood vessel plaque, and blood clotting. All these potential outcomes increase the risk for heart attack. Data on women who have periodontal (gum) disease indicate that they also have higher blood levels of C-reactive protein and lower HDL cholesterol. A tooth abscess—a pus-filled bacterial infection inside the tooth, or between the tooth and the gum—can lead to a fatal condition if the infection spreads to the brain or the heart or causes swelling in the airways that cuts off air supply to the lungs.

Avoiding sugar-filled sweets and drinks, thoroughly rinsing the mouth with water following food consumption, regular brushing, using an electric toothbrush, daily flossing, scraping the tongue, and irrigating the gums with water are all preventive measures that will help protect you from gum disease.