The body’s health connects in various ways. Learn how gum disease and heart health are connected – and what you can do about it.
As researchers analyze the connection between oral health and heart health, they’re finding that gum and heart disease are related. Individuals with gum disease (or periodontal disease) experience inflammation and breakdown of the gums, teeth, and bone tissues.
In contrast, heart disease involves a broader set of conditions that include heart attacks and strokes. The following article explains how the two conditions are connected and how to reduce the risk.
Research and Studies
A 2014 study examined the relationship between gum disease and heart disease by observing people with both conditions. Their findings show that individuals with adequate care for their gums had between 10%-40% lower cardiovascular care costs.
Furthermore, a recent review of several studies finds that gum disease can increase the risk of heart disease by 20%. Since gum disease causes inflammation and bacteria growth, this may eventually result in the narrowing of important arteries.
Other Diseases
Gum disease may be connected to other conditions such as osteoporosis, respiratory disease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and cancer. Similarly, there may be other conditions that can increase the risk of developing gum disease such as diabetes.
People with diabetes experience more inflammation and have a greater risk of infections, which may result in gum disease. In addition, due to hormonal changes and an increase in circulation, pregnant women have a higher risk of gum disease.
Be Aware of the Symptoms
To reduce the risk of developing gum disease, it’s important that you visit your dentist regularly to get an early diagnosis. Some symptoms of gum disease include persistent bad breath, swollen red gums, tender gums that bleed easily, and sensitive teeth.
However, just because you have one or more of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have gum disease. To make a formal diagnosis, your dentist will measure your gums, evaluate for inflammation and plaque buildup, and take x-rays.
To diagnose heart disease, your doctor will review your medical history, the severity of symptoms, and perform a physical examination. Keep a lookout for symptoms such as chest pain, irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath, unexpected fatigue, dizziness, and sudden confusion.
Moreover, your doctor will evaluate your blood and examine your risk factors for heart disease (family history, bodyweight, etc.). Finally, they will confirm your condition by doing an EKG, chest x-ray, blood tests, and stress tests.
The Outlook
According to current research, there may be a connection between gum disease and heart disease. Nevertheless, more studies are necessary to reach a conclusive connection between the two.
If you want to take care of your heart health early on, consider exercising regularly, eating healthily, and taking HeartBeet Complete. As a heart and beet supplement, its formula helps promote better circulation, lower blood pressure, and more.
Give your heart health the support it needs by taking HeartBeet Complete along with a healthy routine of exercise and well-balanced meals.
