The Mouth and Heart Connection

Cardiovascular dieses are a class of disease that affects the heart and/or blood vessels. It is estimated that more than 80 million people in the United States have one or more forms of cardiovascular disease; these forms include high blood pressure; coronary heart disease (acute heart attack and angina pectoris), stroke, and heart failure. Studies have shown that there is a link between cardiovascular disease and periodontal (gum) disease, the chronic inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissue. Forms of gum disease, such as gingivitis (gun inflammation) and periodontitis (bone loss), can be indicators for cardiovascular problems, which is why it is important for individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease to visit a dentist on a regular basis, practice good oral hygiene, and keep their dentist informed of any oral and overall health issues.

How are periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease connected?

It has been suggested that the inflammatory proteins and bacteria associated with gum disease enter a person’s blood stream and can cause various effects on the cardiovascular system. A study published on February 2005 issue of Circulation examined the presence of the bacteria known to cause periodontitis and the thickening of the blood vessels wall typically seen in heart disease. After examining samples from more than 650 participants, the investigators concluded that the presence of the same bacteria known to cause periodontitis was associated with increased level of blood vessel thickening.

What can I do to keep my gums and heart healthy?

Practicing proper oral hygiene is essential to maintaining healthy gums. This includes flossing regularly, brushing twice a day with antibacterial toothpaste, and visiting a dentist at least every six months. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help improve both your cardiovascular health and overall health.

What do my physician and dentist need to know?

It is important to keep all medical professionals up-to-date on your overall and overall health issues. Inform your physician if you have been diagnosed with a form of periodontal disease or are experiencing any issues with the gum inflammation. Likewise, inform your dentist if you have been diagnosed with any form of cardiovascular disease, have experienced any cardiovascular problems, or have family history of cardiovascular disease.

What other risk factors are associated with cardiovascular disease?

Individuals who are most at risk for cardiovascular disease include those over the age of 65, African Americans, Hispanics and males. While these particular factors cannot be changed, there are some risk factors that you can change through lifestyle management and/or medical treatment to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. These risk factors include smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and stress. Questions? Be sure to ask you physician and dentist.

Resources from The Academy of General Dentistry  

The average person swallows 2,000 times per day, causing the upper and lower teeth to come together and push against the skull. People who have a poorly aligned bite or missing teeth can have related health problems, such as frequent headaches or sleep disorders, because their jaw muscles must work harder to bring the teeth together, straining the surrounding jaw muscles.

 This strain, know as orofacial pain, is defined as any pain in or around the face. Some people may experience pain in the ears, eyes, sinuses, cheeks or side of the head, while other experience clicking when moving the jaw.

 Orofacial pain can also be caused by temporomandibular disorder (TMD), stress, nerve disorders or muscle spasms. Serious causes of orofacial pain are tumors in the jaw bone area, oral cancer or referred pain from cardiac disease.

 "At the first sign of discomfort, see your general dentist," says Academy of General Dentistry spokesperson Peter G. Bastian, DDS, MAGD. "He or she knows your mouth best and how you handle day-to-day stress."

Academy of General Dentistry/www.agd.org

Oral cancer is a common form of cancer, with roughly 35,000 new cases reported annually in the United States. The most frequent oral cancer sites are in the tongue, the floor of the mouth, the soft palate, the tissues in the lips, gums and the back of the tongue. If not diagnosed and treated in its early stages, oral cancer can spread, leading to chronic pain, loss of oral function, irreparable facial and oral disfigurement following surgery, and even death. For this reason, it's important to regularly visit your dentist so he or she can perform a thorough screening for oral cancer.

How do dentists screen for cancer?

Your dentist will screen for oral cancer during routine checkups. During the screening he or she will feel for lumps or irregular tissue changes in your neck, head, cheeks, and oral cavity and will thoroughly examine the soft tissues in your mouth specifically looking for sores or discolored tissues.

What causes oral cancer?

Scientists aren't sure of the exact cause of oral cancer. However, the carcinogens in tobacco products and alcohol, as well as excessive exposure to sun, have been found to increase the risk of developing cancer. Research also suggests that some forms of oral cancer may be caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

What are the warning signs?

Oral cancer - represented by red, white, or discolored lesions and patches or lumps in or around the mouth - is typically painless in its early stages. As the malignant cancer spreads and destroys healthy oral tissue, the lesions or lumps may become more painful. See your dentist immediately if you observe any sore that persists longer than two weeks; a swelling, growth, or lump anywhere in or about the mouth or neck; white or red patches in the mouth or on the lips; repeated bleeding from the mouth or throat; difficulty swallowing; or persistent hoarseness.

How can I prevent oral cancer?

You can help prevent oral cancer by abstaining from all forms of tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption. According to a study in May/June 2007 issue of General Dentistry, the clinical, peer-reviewed journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), vaccines that have been developed to treat HPV might decrease the risk of developing oral cancer. Because successful treatment and rehabilitation are dependant on early detection it is extremely important to regularly check your mouth for changes in appearance and see your dentist for an oral cancer screening and regular checkup at least every six months. Survival rates greatly increase the earlier oral cancer is discovered and treated. During your next visit, ask your dentist to do an oral cancer screening.

Academy of General Dentistry , June 2010

Nearly one in 12 Americans has diabetes, bringing the U.S. total to nearly 26 million, according to recent reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  These new data show a 9 percent increase from 2008, which the DCD links to an increase in obesity-related type 2 diabetes and expanded life spans.  Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases classified by increased levels of blood glucose due to insufficient insulin production or improper insulin response.  The CDC estimates that diabetes costs nearly $174 billion annually in the United States alone.  Complications of diabetes may include heart disease and stroke, hypertension, vision problems, and dental disease.

AGD Impact, May 2011

Approximately 3 percent of U.S. adolescents are affected by eating disorders, many of which go untreated, according to the National Comorbidity Study-Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A) survey.  Results from this comprehensive analysis of eating disorders indicate 1.6 percent of teens, ages 13 to 18 have been affected by binge-eating disorder.  Additionally, 0.9 percent of adolescents were affected by bulimia and 0.3 percent by anorexia.  Nearly half of these teens also showed signs of depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders, including thoughts of suicide.

AGD Impact, May 2011