Although periodontal disease, heart disease, and stroke may not seem to go together, researchers have discovered that those who have gum disease are almost twice as likely to also have coronary heart disease. Additionally, research has shown that oral infections do, in fact, increase the risk of stroke. Acute cerebrovascular ischemia patients were more likely to also be experiencing periodontal disease to some degree.

The colonisation of bacteria causes the gingival tissue that surrounds the teeth to become infected, a condition known as periodontal disease. Plaque-forming bacteria first colonise above the gum line before moving below it and causing the tissue to peel away from the teeth. Deep pockets between the gums and the teeth develop if periodontal disease is not treated, and the jawbone's supporting tissue is also lost. The teeth may move, wiggle, or even fully separate from the bone as a result of the loss of bone tissue.

When fatty proteins accumulate in the coronary arteries, the walls of the arteries gradually thicken, resulting in coronary heart disease. As a result, the heart has an oxygen deficit and must work much harder to pump blood to the rest of the body. Blood clots can occasionally develop in people with coronary heart disease, preventing normal blood flow and reducing the quantity of essential nutrients and oxygen the heart needs to operate normally. Heart attacks are often caused by this phenomenon.

 

Reasons for the Connection 

There is no question that having periodontal disease can make pre-existing heart issues worse. The periodontist and cardiologist typically collaborate to treat patients with both diseases.

 

The following are some possibilities that could explain the connection between periodontal disease, heart disease, and stroke:

• The heart is impacted by oral bacteria: There are numerous varieties of periodontal bacteria. Some of these bacterial strains, according to researchers, reach the bloodstream and adhere to the fatty plaques in the coronary arteries. This adhesion then aids in the production of clots, placing the person in immediate danger.

 

• Inflammation: Periodontal disease produces significant gum tissue inflammation, which raises the white blood cell count as well as the levels of the highly reactive protein (C-reactive protein). Elevated C-reactive protein levels have been associated with heart disease, according to research investigations.

 

• Susceptibility to infection: people who have unusually high levels of oral bacteria may be more susceptible to infection due to weakened immune systems and insufficient host inflammatory responses. These factors may have particular vascular effects that have been linked to the development of certain types of heart disease in the past.

 

Identification and Therapy

It is crucial to get treatment right away because periodontal disease appears to be a risk factor for both heart attacks and strokes. The periodontist will initially do in-depth exams to determine the precise state of the teeth, gums, and jawbone. X-rays can be useful in identifying whether upper and lower jaw bone loss is common.

The dentist can do extensive cleaning procedures like scaling and root planing to get rid of tartar deposits made of hardened calculus. To guarantee that the germ is entirely eliminated and the periodontal infection does not spread, an antibiotic may be recommended. Periodontal disease is typically preventable with routine cleanings and good household hygiene.