Heart disease is a term used to describe a wide range of ailments affecting your heart or its associated blood vessels, including heart rhythm abnormalities, coronary artery disease and congenital heart defects. In some cases, you may have an increased risk for developing heart disease if you have forms of gum disease, or periodontal disease, such as gingivitis or periodontitis.
Gingivitis
The presence of bacteria, particles and mucus on your teeth can lead to a form of gum inflammation called gingivitis, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, or NIDCR. Potential symptoms of this relatively mild ailment include gum swelling, redness and easy bleeding. In most cases, you can diminish or reverse the effects of gingivitis with a regular program of flossing, tooth brushing and trips to your dental hygienist or dentist.
Periodontitis
If left untreated, gingivitis may progress to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis, the NIDCR reports. In this disease, your gums pull away from your teeth, creating pockets that can become infected with bacteria. In response to an infection, your body's immune system releases substances designed to limit any harmful effects. However, in combination with bacterial toxins, these substances can degrade your gums and the connective tissue and bone that anchor your teeth in place. Eventually, you may lose teeth in areas affected by this process.
Coronary Risks
If you have gum disease, your chances for developing coronary artery disease are almost twice as high as individuals without gum disease, according to the American Academy of Periodontology. Doctors do not know the precise reason for this increased risk, but they have two working theories. According to the first theory, periodontal bacteria in your bloodstream may attach themselves to the fatty substance in arteries called plaque and increase plaque's ability to clog your arteries and reduce your heart health. According to the second theory, inflammation related to gum disease may accelerate plaque buildup and increase artery swelling.
Additional Risks
If you already have heart disease, the development of gum disease can worsen your existing symptoms, the American Academy of Periodontology reports. To reduce your heart-related risks, your doctor or dentist may ask you to take antibiotics prior to any dental procedure. In some cases, the presence of gum disease may also increase your chances of developing a form of stroke called acute cerebrovascular ischemia.
Treatment
Prompt, aggressive treatment of gum disease can improve your circulation and decrease the presence of a blood protein associated with heart disease, according to Consumer Reports Health. In some cases, your dentist may treat gum disease by scraping away hardened plaque above and below your gum line, in addition to scraping away rough spots on your teeth roots that encourage bacterial growth, the NIDCR explains. You may also receive any one of a variety of medications, including oral antibiotics, antimicrobial mouth rinses and enzyme suppressants. Surgical options for gum disease include flap surgery to clean or remove pockets in your gums and tissue or bone grafts designed to replace areas eroded by periodontitis.
