Brush Your Teeth—It's Good for Your Heart

Brush Your Teeth—It's Good for Your Heart 

 Mom's constant reminders to brush your teeth may be helping your heart. Good oral hygiene aids in preventing plaque build-up that characterizes both cardiac and gum diseases.

"Gum Disease" 

The primary form of periodontal disease occurs when bacteria invade the gums, bones, and tissue that support the teeth. More than 75% of adults over age 35 suffer from periodontal disease, but most don't realize it until substantial damage has already occurred. Often painless, gum disease progresses relentlessly: gums separate from teeth, pockets form and deepen, and bacteria-produced toxins destroy tissue. While in its earliest stage, known as gingivits , professional dental care and good oral hygiene can reverse the periodontal siege.

 

 

For hundreds of years, people have recognized a connection between oral infections and systemic conditions. More recent investigations have found an association between gum disease and cardiovascular disease, low birth-weight babies, respiratory infections, and diabetes. One study found people with periodontal bone loss had twice the chance of fatal heart disease. The exact mechanism that increases cardiovascular risk remains murky, but experts believe bacteria from the chronic gum infection enter the bloodstream and cause white blood cells (which fight infections) to release materials that create a build-up of fatty deposits and clots in the arteries.

 

Prevention 

 

"Brush inner, outer, and chewing surfaces at least twice daily with a soft-bristled brush held at a 45° angle. Some people find electric brushes easier to use.

 

• Floss at least once daily, gently guiding the floss between teeth. While holding floss taut and curved around each tooth, slide the floss up and down. Continue, using a clean section of floss for each tooth.
• Obtain professional dental cleaning every six months, more often if you are prone to plaque or gingivitis. "It's probably the best investment an adult can make in terms of preventing periodontal disease and decay," Caton says.
• Ask for an annual periodontal screening and assessment of the degree to which gum tissue has pulled away from teeth.

Risk Factors 

Several factors can place you at increased risk for periodontal disease.

• Hormones

Birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, pregnancy, puberty, and menstrual cycles all raise estrogen levels. "The receptor cells on periodontal tissues are sensitive to estrogen, which causes an exaggerated reaction to bacteria left after brushing," Caton explains. What this means is that you should be scrupulously attentive to tooth brushing and flossing under these conditions.

• Medications

Some blood pressure medications and epilepsy drugs create an overgrowth of gum tissue, especially in people with an existing gum condition. Bacteria can easily accumulate in the enlarged gums and start to destroy the tissues that support the teeth.

• Smoking

Scientists have accumulated overwhelming evidence that smoking increases the risk of periodontal disease. In addition, a recent study at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine found passive, in-home exposure to tobacco smoke increased the risk of gum detachment and bleeding as well as severe periodontal disease by 70%.

• Alcohol

The same university found heavy drinking upped the odds. Senior researcher Sara G. Grossi, DDS, says the risk of periodontal disease increased from 10% to 20%, 30%, and then 40% as alcohol consumption rose from five drinks per week to 10, 15, and 20.

• Diet

The body has a harder time fighting infection without proper nutrients. University at Buffalo researchers recently discovered that low levels of antioxidant vitamins increased periodontal risk, attributing the findings to the body's need for antioxidants to maintain homeostasis and control bacterial damage.

• Stress

Keeping emotions on an even keel will help, too. People confronted with stressful situations often become distracted and cut corners on hygiene habits. In addition, not coping with stress reduces the normal functioning of the immune system

Symptoms 

Although insidious at first, gum disease will steadily become worse without treatment. The American Academy of Periodontology says symptoms include:

• Gums pulling away from the teeth
• Swollen, red, or tender gums
• Gums that bleed with brushing or flossing
• Bad breath
• Loose or missing teeth
• A change in bite or the fit of partial dentures
• Pus between the tooth and gum

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your dentist for a referral or call a periodontist directly.

Treatment 

Often in its earliest stages, good oral hygiene and frequent professional cleaning will clear up the condition. If not, a periodontist can remove plaque from below the gum line and smooth or plane the tooth root to enable the gum to reattach. With more advanced cases, surgery may be required to clean up the infected area and rebuild damaged bone.

 

 

Often periodontists will add a course of antimicrobial therapy—pastes, gels, or polymers applied topically, or antibiotic pills to eliminate more aggressive bacteria. The specialists may also order Periostat, a pill that decreases the concentration of destructive enzymes called collagenases around the teeth and protects the tissue from additional damage. Treatment can prevent further deterioration associated with periodontal disease.