The Connection between Dental Hygiene and a Healthy Heart
Oct 29, 2021 04:08PM ● By Dr. David Minkoff
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In 2017, a study
revealed that 30 percent of American adults skipped their semi-annual dentist
appointments the year prior. Individuals aged between 18 and 29 were less
likely to schedule a regular dentist appointment compared to those aged 30 to 44;
however, those in this age group are slowly declining as well (1). This
decline is due to dental anxiety, high costs and/or the misunderstanding that
dental health is not as important as overall health. Many people are still unaware
that achieving optimal dental health is the secret to achieving great overall
health.
Sally Cram, doctor
of dental surgery in Washington, D.C., and consumer advisor for the American
Dental Association (ADA), explains that more physicians are taking a holistic
approach towards their patients. They’re encouraging individuals to prioritize
oral health since the mouth acts as “the gateway to the body”(2). Physicians
began noticing a common trend between inflammation within the mouth and its
connection with other chronic diseases. The theory claims that our mouths are
full of bacteria, food particles and tooth plaque that can be prevented with daily brushing and flossing. However, those
who fail to care for their teeth may develop tartar and inflamed gums. This
inflammation can cause other chronic problems such as loose teeth, receding
gums, bad breath, periodontal (gum) disease and much more. It was seen that
people with gum disease were 40 percent more likely to be at risk of a chronic
condition if it wasn’t resolved. For example, if left untreated, this
inflammation can spread to other areas of the body and increase the risk of
serious illness like cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, autoimmune disease and
cardiovascular disease. Out of all the areas affected by oral bacteria, the
heart was the most common.
The World Health
Organization (WHO) states that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of
death worldwide, with approximately 17.9 million deaths per year (3).
These deaths can vary from coronary heart disease, hypertension, arrhythmia and
cardiac arrest to peripheral artery disease, stroke and enlarged heart. In
2018, researchers conducted a study that sampled nearly a million people with
65,000 of them having a cardiovascular
condition. Results demonstrated a “moderate correlation” between poor oral health
and coronary heart disease (4). Additionally, it reported that out
of 32,060 adults sampled, 650 (who suffered a stroke) and 525 (who had a heart attack) had undergone invasive dental
procedures. WebMD claims that “gum disease and heart disease often go
hand-in-hand” with 91 percent of patients suffering from both heart disease and
periodontitis simultaneously (5).
The reason that the heart is affected by poor oral
health is because the inflammation within the mouth slowly spreads into the blood
vessels.
The plaque-like bacteria that grow on teeth in between cleanings has a way of
spreading through the gums which can lead to gum disease. Subsequently, the
bacteria can then spread to one’s arteries, increase cholesterol levels and facilitate
atherosclerosis. The plaque may induce blood
clots in various parts of the body, be it the arms, legs, brain, lungs, abdomen
or the heart itself. This can lead to serious cardiovascular disease such as stroke,
heart attack, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, coronary artery
disease, or inflammation of the heart valve. An article published by WebMD
claimed that inflammation is a “common denominator” between the diseases, and those
with severe gum disease have increased levels of C-reactive proteins (CRP) (5).
This is a type of protein created by the liver in response to
inflammation as a way of protecting tissues from autoimmune disease.
Other risks of cardiovascular
disease include heavy metal toxicity from root canals, tooth crowns and cavity
fillings. A study conducted in Finland examined the teeth and arteries of over
500 participants. Results showed that those with previous root canals were
“three times more likely to have acute coronary syndrome”(6), a
disease that clogs the arteries within the heart and has a high heart attack
risk factor. This is because dental amalgams and root canals are known to contain toxins such as mercury that cause
inflammation and spread to other areas of the body.
When patients
visit LifeWorks Wellness Center, many are unaware of their heavy metal toxicity
due to their past dental procedures. Others are surprised to hear that the
bacteria in their teeth are the root cause of their cardiovascular issues.
However, they’re often left confused as receiving an invasive dental procedure
to help their oral health will still place them in similar predicaments. That’s
why we advise our patients to seek holistic dental care, where white filling is
substituted for mercury fillings and still beneficial to oral cleanliness. In
the end, one’s cardiovascular health risks won’t be compromised.
LifeWorks’
patients with cardiovascular conditions or autoimmune disorders will be subject
to lab tests and bloodwork to detect signs of toxicity or inflammation. If
results come back positive (along with a history of previous dental procedures
or lack of dental hygiene), they will be recommended to see a local holistic
dentist to remove any root canals and crowns or receive a cleaning. In
addition, they will be provided a treatment plan to eliminate the inflammation
and toxicity present in their body with detoxification methods and
cardiovascular therapies to improve their heart health. Eventually, they will
improve their quality of life and stave off the risks of cardiovascular
disease.
If you are
interested in learning more about cardiovascular disease and treatment options,
call 727-466-6789 or visit LifeWorksWellnessCenter.com.
Dr. David Minkoff is co-founder and medical director
of LifeWorks Wellness Center in Clearwater, a foremost alternative health
clinic in the U.S.
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