What Is the Link Between Periodontal Disease and Heart Disease?

Philosophers will tell you that a pure heart produces pure speech and that smiling and laughing can heal your heart and mind, but this mouth-heart relationship is more than psychological.

There’s a direct route between your mouth and your heart, and bacteria love to hitch a ride on that highway. 

Caesar Sweidan, DDS, and Laura Smith, DDS, take this connection seriously. At St. Tammany Periodontics & Implants, we want all of our patients to understand that their oral health affects their overall health. Here’s a closer look at the mouth-heart connection.

There’s a bacteria highway between your mouth and heart

Your mouth is a bustling city of bacteria. While most of them play nice and help start the digestion process, the bacteria responsible for gum disease have other plans. 

Known as periodontal pathogens, these tiny invaders enter your bloodstream through damaged gum tissues. Once in your bloodstream, they don’t just sit idly by; they travel to other body parts, including your heart. 

This isn't just a theoretical risk. Research shows that people with gum disease often have higher levels of these bacteria in their blood, linking them to various heart conditions.

Despite this evidence, the exact relationship between gum disease and heart disease isn’t entirely clear. 

We know bacteria can trigger inflammation, a common culprit in heart disease. But pinning down the direct cause-and-effect relationship is complex because many factors contribute to inflammation.

How your heart responds to inflammation 

When periodontal bacteria travel to your heart, two bad things happen:

First, they inflame your blood vessels. Inflammation narrows the passage as much as plaque buildup in your arteries — a condition called atherosclerosis. Plaque and inflammation reduce blood flow and increase your risk of heart attack or stroke.

Second, studies show that periodontal bacteria often appear in fatty deposits within the arteries of people with heart diseases, suggesting a direct correlation between oral and heart health.  

Warning for people with heart valve problems

Heart valve infections, or endocarditis, are even more risky for people with gum disease. 

If the bacteria from your gums reach your heart, they can latch onto damaged heart valves, leading to severe infections. Periodontal infections pose a big threat if you have a preexisting heart valve issue or artificial heart valves.

How to prevent gum-related heart problems

The good news is that preventing gum disease is easy. 

Regular dental checkups and cleanings are your first line of defense. Brushing and flossing twice a day can help keep harmful bacteria at bay. 

But despite your best efforts, bacterial infections can happen. You know you’re dealing with periodontal disease if you notice:

• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Bleeding when brushing, flossing, or eating hard food
• Receding gums
• Loose or separated teeth
• Persistent bad breath

Dr. Sweidan and Dr. Smith treat gum disease with noninvasive advanced technology that’s much more comfortable than old-school techniques. Our laser therapy uses the power of light to remove decay and bacteria from your teeth and gums, protecting your oral health and your heart. 

We hope this information gives you some insight into the interconnectedness of your body’s systems and how caring for your oral health helps you care for your heart health.

Call us at St. Tammany Periodontics & Implants in Covington or Slidell, Louisiana, or request an appointment online to schedule laser therapy for periodontitis or to learn more about the mouth-heart connection.