Periodontal Disease and Its Effect on Your Heart
Periodontal disease is when any form of ill affects the tissue surrounding
the support of the teeth. The support includes the bone around the tooth
called the socket, the ligament around the tooth, and the tissue or "gums".
The most common of the periodontal diseases, gingivitis is an inflammation
of the gingiva, or gums. It occurs when the bacteria, which exist normally
in the oral cavity, multiply, increasing in mass and thickness until they
form plaque. Plaque adheres to the surfaces of the teeth and adjacent
gingiva and causes cellular injury, with subsequent swelling and redness.
If infection affects the connective tissue structures and bone, it is
called "periodontitis". Periodontitis is most often caused by
a buildup of "plaque", which is a combination of bacteria and
bacterial byproducts that form around teeth within hours of eating. Many
types of bacteria are contained in plaque and it is these bacteria that
can flow into the gum line, settle and affect bone.
Bacteria love to harbor under the gum line due to the fact that in this
environment, with the lack of oxygen, they can multiply and cause more
damage by releasing their toxins. As bacteria secrete these toxins, what
happens is that the body tries to administer aid to the site of inflammation
by sending specialized cells to attack the toxins. What also happens is
damage to the ligament and bone holding the tooth in the socket.
Studies are finding an association between periodontal disease and heart
disease. In one study, men with extensive gum disease (bleeding from every
tooth) had over a fourfold greater risk for heart disease than men without
periodontal disease. The study also reported an association between stroke
and gum disease. Experts believe that in people with periodontitis, normal
oral activities like brushing and chewing, can cause tiny injuries that
release bacteria into the blood stream. The bacteria that cause periodontitis
may stimulate factors that cause blood clots and other proteins that contribute
to a higher risk for heart disease and stroke. In rare cases, periodontal
bacteria can cause an infection in the lining or valves of the heart called
infective endocarditis. The condition is more likely to occur in valves
that are already injured or abnormal.
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