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Your Mouth, Your Heart
Article by sonicare.com

If you have heart disease-or are at high-risk of developing heart problems-you need to be aware of the link between oral health and systemic health.

Recent studies have revealed that people with periodontal disease very often have heart disease as well. Researchers believe that this is due to oral bacteria present in gum disease, which can affect the heart if they enter the bloodstream. It has been shown that these bacteria can attach to fatty deposits in the coronary arteries and contribute to arterial clot formation. Such clots can dislodge and are responsible for heart attacks and strokes.

While periodontal disease doesn't necessarily cause heart disease, it is nevertheless a good risk indicator. In fact, people with severe gum disease have double the risk of stroke or heart attack. Fortunately, elimination of the gum infection by thorough professional care can eliminate the bulk of those bacteria and may actually lower the risk to the heart. Excellent plaque control through a good oral hygiene will decrease the risk for re-infection and ultimately may help enjoy better overall health long-term.

Remember, the mouth is the gateway to the body. Take care of your gums and teeth and it can pay off. Whether you see them or not, good oral care can have an impact on the health of other areas of your body-including your heart.

If you have, or are at risk of getting, heart disease:

• Keep your mouth healthy with twice daily brushing, using a high quality toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. For most people it is easier to remove plaque with a powerbrush, for example the Sonicare, than with a manual toothbrush. Floss daily as well.
• See your dentist and dental hygienist as directed and make sure they know about your heart condition and overall health.
• In turn, alert your physician if you have periodontal disease.
• If you have gums that are red or irritated or that bleed easily, see your dentist immediately.
• Use medications, including antibiotics, exactly as instructed.

• Wu et al. University of Buffalo study. Arch Int med October 2000.
• Loesche WJ. Peridontal disease as a risk factor for heart disease. Compendium 25:976-982
• Journal of Periodontology, October 2004 .