You might not think of your gums when you think about your heart, but the two are more connected than most people realize. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a common condition that affects many retirees. It happens when bacteria build up in the mouth, causing inflammation and damage to the gums.
Over time, this can lead to tooth loss if not treated. What many people don’t know is that gum disease can also have serious effects on heart health. Scientists have found that the health of your gums and the health of your heart are closely linked, and understanding this connection can help you take steps to protect both.
The connection between gum disease and heart health starts with inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to infection or injury, but chronic inflammation can cause damage over time. In gum disease, the inflammation in your mouth can spread to the rest of your body through the bloodstream.
When this happens, it can lead to inflammation in your blood vessels, which increases the risk of heart problems like atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and heart attacks.
A study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that people with severe gum disease were twice as likely to have heart disease compared to those with healthy gums.
Another way gum disease affects the heart is through bacteria. The harmful bacteria in your mouth can enter your bloodstream through bleeding gums. Once in the bloodstream, these bacteria can stick to the walls of blood vessels, causing plaque to build up.
Plaque is a fatty substance that narrows the arteries, making it harder for blood to flow. This can lead to high blood pressure, heart attacks, or strokes.
A study in the American Heart Journal reported that individuals with gum disease had higher levels of these harmful bacteria in their blood, increasing their risk of cardiovascular problems.
Even if you don’t have severe gum disease, poor oral hygiene can still contribute to heart health issues. For retirees, maintaining good oral health can sometimes be challenging due to factors like dry mouth (a common side effect of many medications) or difficulty brushing and flossing due to arthritis.
However, the effort is well worth it because good oral health is a key part of overall health. The American Dental Association emphasizes that regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups can significantly reduce the risk of gum disease and its potential effects on the heart.
There is also evidence that treating gum disease can improve heart health. A study in the European Heart Journal showed that people who received treatment for gum disease had reduced markers of inflammation in their bodies and better blood vessel function.
This suggests that taking care of your gums may have a protective effect on your heart. If you already have heart disease, it’s especially important to let your dentist know, as they can recommend additional steps to keep your mouth healthy and reduce any added risk.
Beyond oral hygiene, retirees can take other steps to lower the risk of gum disease and heart problems. Eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure are all important.
Smoking, in particular, is a major risk factor for both gum disease and heart disease. Quitting smoking can greatly improve your oral and cardiovascular health at any age.
In conclusion, gum disease and heart health are closely connected through inflammation and harmful bacteria. For retirees, this means that taking care of your gums is about more than just keeping your teeth—it’s also an important part of protecting your heart.
By practicing good oral hygiene, seeing your dentist regularly, and making healthy lifestyle choices, you can lower your risk of both gum disease and heart problems. Taking care of your mouth is one small step that can have a big impact on your overall health and well-being.
If you care about gum health, please read studies about an important causes of tooth decay and gum disease, and common tooth disease that may increase risks of dementia.
For more health information, please see recent studies about mouthwash that may increase your tooth damage, and results showing this diet could help treat gum disease.
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