Skip to main content

Connection Between Gum Diseases and Heart Conditions

Gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis are known to be severe oral conditions. They put one's entire oral health at risk and lead to issues such as oral infections, swelling, and inflammation of the gums, root canal infections, bleeding, halitosis, gradual bone deterioration, etc.

But, gum diseases are also known to influence certain heart conditions, and studies carried out over the past few years have some vital input in this regard. It was found that patients with gum diseases stand a higher chance of developing heart conditions than those who don't.

Inflammation is the culpri

Plaque and tartar are the leading causes of gum diseases. The microbes in tartar end up irritating the nearby tissues, including teeth and gums. This can cause bleeding, the release of pus, and severe inflammation. The gums gradually become loose, which allows the microbes to deposit inside the gum pockets. 

When such bacteria come in contact with blood vessels, the chances run high that they're spreading to different parts of the body through the bloodstream. This includes regions of the heart, such as the major arteries that supply blood to organs of the body. The presence of microbes can trigger inflammation in heart tissues as well as the arteries, which makes them stiff. The blood would have to pass through small apertures, and thus, it indirectly influences the blood pressure.

How can it be controlled?

For more assistance, reach out to us at (925) 553-7173 or schedule an online appointment to have a consultation with Dr. Balakrishna.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Sealing to save

Pit and Fissure sealants are helpful preventive procedure done in kids and young adults to prevent tooth decay.

Implant Dentistry

Dentistry has been evolving and advancing with some of the most amazing restorative and cosmetic solutions in recent years. Among them, dental implants are, perhaps, the most reliable and sought after restorations. They not only replace...

Wisdom teeth: To keep or remove?

Wisdom teeth are usually the last set of teeth to emerge. They can be found at the end of the oral ridges behind all the other sets of teeth. In most cases, the eruption of wisdom teeth happens without any hassle. But, in certain complicated cases, ...

Caring for Your Infant's Dental Health

Your infant’s first teeth would start to appear around six to twelve months of age. Primary teeth are essential even though they fall out within a few years and get replaced by a full set of permanent teeth. If baby teeth are taken proper care of,...

Sedation Dentistry For Children

Coping with the fear of visiting the dentist is observed more amongst children as compared to adults who are patients. Such patients are good candidates for oral or dental sedation. At Sunshine Dental, we take ample measures to help...