Poor Oral Health May Lead to Heart Disease

Poor oral health and its connection to heart disease, has been a topic of debate for many years. In 2012, experts from the American Heart Association concluded that there was not enough scientific evidence to prove that poor oral health causes heart disease and that treating gum disease does not necessarily reduce the risk of heart disease.

However, in the seven years since the AHA made its ambiguous statement, there have been an increasing number of studies to show that:

• Gum disease (periodontitis) may increase the risk of developing heart disease
• Poor oral hygiene increases the risk of a bacterial infection in the bloodstream, which can affect the heart valves
• Tooth loss has been associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease
• There is a strong connection between diabetes (which doubles the risk of a heart attack) and the state of a person’s oral health, and evidence that people with diabetes benefit from periodontal treatment

In a UK study conducted by researchers for two different Universities in Ireland, it was found that the bacteria around the gums that cause dental plaque, may get into the bloodstream and cause clots that will increase the risk of heart disease and heart attack.

Dr. Howard Jenkinson, a leading professor of Oral Microbiology at Bristol’s School of Oral and Dental Science, presented the findings at a meeting of the Society for General Microbiology at the University of Nottingham. He states that:

“Poor dental hygiene can lead to bleeding gums, providing bacteria with an escape route into the bloodstream, where they can initiate blood clots leading to heart disease.”

The development of gum disease and plaque are a result of Streptococcus bacteria building up around the gum lining and in between teeth due to poor oral hygiene. This bacteria causes the gums to bleed and enter into the bloodstream.

The study found that once the Streptococcus bacteria get into the bloodstream, they use a protein called PadA which layers their outer surface, takes control of the blood platelets and forces them to clump together to form blood clots.

The bacteria completely encase themselves in the platelets, enabling them to avoid being detected by the immune system, and also, to hide from antibiotics.

“Unfortunately, as well as helping out the bacteria, platelet clumping can cause small blood clots, growths on the heart valves (endocarditis) or inflammation of blood vessels that can block the blood supply to the heart and brain”.
– Dr. Howard Jenkenson

There is further investigation to determine how PadA causes blood platelets to clump together so a solution can be found to prevent this from happening. The investigation is being carried out with the help of a new blood flow model that mimics the human circulatory system.

the importance of maintaining good oral health

While maintaining good oral health isn’t necessarily the only key to heart disease prevention, it is still evidently clear that achieving healthy teeth and gums is really about elevating the health of the whole body.

It is therefore absoultey vital that you:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day using our all-natural tooth and gum powder
• Floss daily
• Schedule regular dental checkups and professional cleanings
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet

If you’re concerned about heart disease prevention, we recommend you ask your health care provider about proven ways to reduce your risk — such as stopping smoking, exercising, eating well, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Maintain oral health using Good-Gums all-natural tooth and gum powder

We recommend using our 100% natural tooth and gum powder, which is jam-packed full of essential nutrients for optimal gum health. Good-Gums soothes sore gums and supports the natural process of enamel remineralization, while also counteracting acidity in the mouth and neutralizing bacteria that cause plaque buildup.

We use myrrh, peppermint, baking soda, French grey sea salt, cinnamon, cranberry, vitamin-C and citrus bioflavonoids – and nothing else. Take a more detailed look at our ingredients list to see what beneficial qualities are in each ingredient and what they do for the state of your gum health.

Our formula is designed to absorb into your gums, putting back all the vital nutrients that are necessary to get your gums back in tip-top shape.

Remember, what’s good for your gums is good for you!