The American Heart Association (AHA) issued a statement indicating that gum inflammation and oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation in blood vessels. This suggests a close relationship between periodontal disease and the risk of serious cardiovascular events. Previous research shows that people with severe gum disease have a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular problems. “The mouth and the heart are connected,” said Dr. Andrew H. Tran, a pediatric cardiologist and director of the preventive cardiology program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, in a press release. Plaque buildup on the gums can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammation and potential damage to blood vessels. This can be a significant factor in the development of atherosclerosis.

“If you have plaque on your gums, you probably have it on your arteries too,” Andrew H. Tran, who was not involved in this study, told Fox News Digital.

Symptoms to Watch For

The main symptoms of periodontal disease include bleeding, swollen, and red gums.

Early Symptoms: Gums bleed easily when brushing or flossing, and are swollen or persistently red. Constant bad breath, or halitosis, also develops due to bacterial buildup.

Advanced Symptoms: In more severe stages, receding gums appear, making teeth look longer, along with pus between teeth and gums, and loose teeth.

Other signs include pain when chewing, tooth sensitivity, and abscess formation.

Proper Assessment

A proper assessment of oral health is performed through a professional examination by a dentist, which includes visual inspection,A physical examination and complementary tests are used to detect early problems such as cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer. This process should be periodic, ideally every six months, and combines medical history, physical examination, and X-rays when necessary. Key components: The evaluation begins with a review of medical history, hygiene habits, and symptoms such as bleeding or sensitivity. Then, teeth, gums, tongue, cheeks, and neck are examined for abnormalities, measuring the depth of periodontal pockets and detecting cavities with dental explorers. Complementary tests: X-rays are used to visualize roots, bone, and hidden cavities, along with oral cancer screening by palpating for lumps on the lips, tongue, and throat. A professional cleaning removes plaque buildup before or after the exam.

Oral Health Recommendations

Experts suggest that maintaining good oral hygiene can reduce the potential risk of cardiovascular disease.

Actions such as brushing, flossing, and regular checkups are essential not only for dental health but also for heart health.

Need for More Research

Researchers note that periodontal disease shares risk factors with heart disease, complicating the identification of direct causes.

However, gum disease has not yet been proven to directly cause heart problems despite the obvious associations.

“Most of the evidence comes from observational studies, which makes it difficult to prove a cause-and-effect relationship,” Dr. Sergiu Darabant, a cardiologist at the Miami Heart and Vascular Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News. study.