Complication: Heart Attack

Symptoms

Chest pain, lightheadedness, dizziness, and other pain; changes in your ability to exercise; heavy or labored breathing; an overall feeling of being uncharacteristically unwell or fatigued

Gum disease may be linked to heart attacks. Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the United States. Preventative measures should be taken in regards to the health of your gums. Keeping your gums healthy and treating gum disease can decrease the impact of coronary artery disease (CAD), according to a 2014 study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Your gums are very vascular, meaning they are full of blood. Your mouth is full of bacteria, and if your gum layer is disrupted even a little, bacteria will get into your bloodstream, which can flow anywhere throughout the body and cause inflammation. Inflammation damages blood vessels, including those in the heart. Some research suggests that with the presence of gum disease, there is more bacteria present in your heart, which thickens your carotid arteries. If they’re too thick, it may cause a heart attack or stroke.

Though there is no definitive evidence that gum disease causes heart disease yet, many observational studies have noted these strong associations. A strong hypothesis for the correlation of these two diseases is that bacteria can spread from the oral cavity to the rest of the body, worsening inflammatory conditions like heart disease. Smoking, poor nutrition, age, and diabetes are risk factors for these diseases.

Here are some ways to keep your heart healthy by keeping your gums healthy:

• Brush and floss regularly twice a day to remove plaque-forming bacteria
• Avoid cigarettes and smokeless tobacco
• Visit your dentist every six months for regular cleaning and exams

Other Great Heart Health Tips

• Eat a balanced diet
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly
• Keep your blood pressure controlled