Oral Health and Heart Disease- Conditions and Symptoms

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Oral Health and Heart Disease

Good oral health and heart disease prevention includes the well-being of teeth, gums, and the entire oral-facial system, and it plays an important role in the maintenance of the overall general health of a person.

Over the last couple of years, doctors and researchers have found a link between oral health and heart disease in a person. Maintaining good oral health is said to play an important role in preventing cardiovascular diseases.

In this article, we will discuss the relationship between oral health and heart disease, as well as ways to prevent heart disorders.

Which oral cavity health conditions affect heart health?

Maintaining mouth health does not just mean having cavity-free teeth, it involves maintaining the gums, the soft and hard palate, the tongue, the mucosal lining of the mouth, and the salivary glands. Common oral health issues include cavities, gum disease (periodontitis and gingivitis), oral cancers, and oral infections. Among these, gum disease is particularly related to heart health.

Gingivitis refers to gum inflammation resulting in redness, swelling, and bleeding in gums. Periodontitis is an advanced stage of gum disease where the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that can become infected. The body’s immune response to this infection can lead to the destruction of tissues and bone that support the teeth, ultimately resulting in tooth loss if untreated.

Which are the common types of heart diseases that could occur due to poor oral health?

The following cardiovascular diseases (group of diseases related to the heart and the blood vessels) can occur due to poor oral health:

• Coronary artery disease: This is the most common type of heart disease that could lead to heart attack, heart failure, or even death due to plaque accumulation.
• Clogged arteries: Studies suggest that periodontal diseases can increase the chances of atherosclerosis, which is a condition in which plaque builds up inside the blood vessels or arteries that deliver blood and oxygen from the heart to the other parts of the body.
• Stroke: Studies suggest a strong link between periodontal disease and stroke.

What are the causes of heart disease due to poor oral cavity health?

Heart disease due to poor oral health can develop due to the following underlying biological mechanisms:

• Bacterial pathways: The oral cavity contains diverse types of microbiota, including harmful bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus mutans. These bacteria can enter the bloodstream through inflamed or damaged gums, a condition known as bacteremia. Once in the bloodstream, these pathogens can adhere to and invade the endothelial cells of blood vessels, contributing to the development of plaques.
• Molecular mimicry: Some oral bacteria produce proteins that mimic host proteins, leading to an autoimmune response where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. This process can lead to the inflammation and damage seen in atherosclerosis.
• Systemic inflammation: Chronic periodontitis results in increased levels of systemic inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP). Elevated CRP levels are a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, as they contribute to the inflammatory processes involved in plaque formation and arterial blockage.
• Oxidative stress: Periodontal disease can increase oxidative stress, a condition characterized by an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Oxidative stress can damage blood vessels, lead to endothelial dysfunction, and increase the progression of atherosclerosis. ( Know more about- Cost of Heart Bypass Surgery in Bangalore )

What are the symptoms of heart diseases?

The following symptoms could indicate the presence of a heart disease:

• Chest pain or heaviness
• Shortness of breath 
• Fatigue
• Lightheadedness
• Profuse sweating
• Pain radiating from the chest to the arms, shoulder, back, or jaw
• Irregular heart rhythms or arrhythmias 

How to diagnose heart diseases due to poor oral cavity health?

The following tests can help in the diagnosis of heart disease:

• Dental examination: The patient’s gum health and general oral health are evaluated by the dentist and the risk factors for heart diseases are identified and treated.
• Physical Examination: The doctor will check the patient’s oral health condition, and medical history, including symptoms, lifestyle, and family history of heart disease.
• Chest X-rays: It helps the doctor to check the structure of the heart.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test is done to measure the heart’s electrical activity.
• Echocardiogram: This test involves using ultrasounds to create clear pictures of the heart.
• Stress test: This test is done to check how the patient’s heart performs under physical stress.
• Coronary angiography: A contrast dye is injected into this test into the coronary arteries to check the blockages in the heart. ( Know more about- What is Heart Attack ?)

How to prevent and manage heart diseases due to poor oral cavity health?

Some important ways to prevent and manage heart diseases due to poor oral cavity health are:

• Visit the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings
• Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce the risk of developing gum diseases
• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet which is high in fiber and low in sugar
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption 
• Go for regular health checkups combined with oral health evaluations

We hope that we could answer all your questions regarding oral cavity health and heart disease through this article.

If you need more information about the relationship between oral health and heart disease, you can contact a good Cardiac Surgeon at the best hospitals like Manipal Hospital Whitefield. 

We only aim to provide you with information through this article. We do not recommend any medication or treatment to anyone. Only a qualified doctor can give you good advice and the correct treatment plan.