A healthy mouth equals a healthy heart

MY PREVIOUS COLUMNS dealt with facts and tips in maintaining good oral hygiene in relation to fighting periodontal diseases (gingivitis and periodontitis). In the past, oral health has been associated only with the mouth. However, new research has found that the advanced stage of gum disease which is Periodontitis is linked with heart problems, such as heart diasease  and stroke. Dr. Richard Stein, the director of Preventive Cardiology at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City said “People who have chronic infections---and gum disease is one of the major infections---are at an increased risk later in life for ATHEROSCLEROSIS [hardening of the arteries] and coronary heart disease.” Dr Stein added that he regularly counsel his patients worried about their risk for heart attack or stroke to incorporate good periodontal care in their preventive strategies, just as they would include exercise, healthy diet and appropriate medications. The rationale behind these is that chronic periodontal disease which is caused by a number of oral bacteria---appears to set off an inflammatory process that exacerbates and contributes to the build-up of cholesterol-rich plaque on artery walls.Experts have known about the periodontal-cardiovascular link for about a decade, said Dr. Stein. The Associate Executive Director of the American Dental Association in Chicago, Dr. Ronald Inge, in a report said “ the presence of a chronic infection in the mouth is very similar to a chronic infection anywhere else in the body in that it puts stress in our body’s response system, the way the body responds to that stress is by sending different elements through the bloodstream and this create the plaque.”According to the American Heart Association, bacterial endocarditis (an infection in the lining of the heart or heart valves) is also associated with periodontal disease. Bacterial endocarditis can also occur in patients who have minor heart valve problems, especially if periodontal disease is present. The consensus is that bacteria can get into the bloodstream from infected gums, which can activate infection in the bloodstream within the heart tissue that has been damaged or on abnormal heart valves.While gum disease is a serious problem, it can easily be prevented. Brushing twice a day, daily flossing, some calcium and regular oral check-ups and prophylaxis are the best ways to prevent gum disease thus protecting your over-all health. Thus, the health of the mouth is not isolated from the rest of the body.