(NaturalHealth365)  Heart disease is one of the biggest killers of adults in the world, and a complex web of issues contributes to this condition’s development.  One contributing factor – often overlooked – is gum disease, typically caused by poor oral health.

The link between poor dental health and heart disease has been observed for quite some time, but the underlying mechanisms often remain unclear to the uninformed.  Keep in mind, the science is very clear.  For example, a recent study reveals the link between gum disease (periodontitis) and your heart health.  The authors analyzed over 1,000 adults and came to an important conclusion.  Let’s look at what they discovered and how you can use this information in your own life.

Large study reveals profound link between gum disease and heart health

The Journal of the American Heart Association study investigated the relationship between periodontal disease (PD) and cardiovascular health.  They assessed 665 men and 611 women participating in the Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).  Participants were evaluated for PD using a questionnaire at baseline (2000-2002) and underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging 10 years later.

The results showed that men with a self-reported history of PD had a higher extracellular volume percentage, indicating interstitial myocardial fibrosis (IMF), which is associated with heart issues.

What is the secret role of bacteria in heart health?

Many bacteria thrive on food remnants within your mouth, and maintaining a regular oral hygiene routine helps keep them in check.  However, when your gums bleed, certain bacteria can enter the bloodstream.  While some bacteria directly contribute to arterial plaques and heart disease, others have more subtle but equally significant impacts.

The truth is the scientific community remains uncertain about the full spectrum of bacteria that can influence not only your risk of heart disease but also your recovery from a heart attack.  Some pathogens obstruct arterial pathways, others infiltrate heart cells, and some trigger widespread inflammation.

Understanding the oral-cardiac link

Research has indicated that a specific type of oral bacteria, such as P. gingivalis, has a potential link to heart-related issues.  This bacterium is thought to exploit gum bleeding, often due to poor dental health, to enter the bloodstream, allowing it to reach the heart and associated blood vessels.

One focus of studies has been a byproduct generated by these bacteria, known as gingipains.  Gingipains seem to aid the bacteria in infiltrating myocytes, a type of heart cell while preventing the self-destruction of damaged cells by suppressing a process called autophagy.

Consequently, they make it more challenging for the heart to recuperate after a heart attack and decrease the chances of survival.  This implies that while these bacteria may not be the direct cause of heart disease, they can exacerbate its severity or impede recovery.  Additionally, they might influence heart disease by disrupting the heart’s innate ability to mend itself.  This interaction significantly impacts our comprehension of the connection between oral and heart health.

Protect your heart by improving your oral health

Taking proactive steps to safeguard your heart health involves more than meets the eye.  Practicing good oral hygiene, such as brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing regularly, significantly reduces the risk of oral pathogens entering your bloodstream.  Additionally, don’t forget the importance of regular dental cleanings, with a recommended schedule every six months for most people.  For extra protection, be sure to use a Hydro Floss® Oral Irrigator to keep your gums healthy.

While maintaining a healthy mouth is essential, your diet also plays a pivotal role in promoting heart resilience.  Opt for a diet low in sugar and processed foods to keep your heart strong.  It’s important to note that dental pathogens, on their own, might not trigger heart attacks but can contribute to them in conjunction with other factors like poor dietary choices, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a sedentary lifestyle.

Incorporating intermittent fasting into your routine can further boost autophagy – a form of cellular housekeeping – helping your body eliminate infected or damaged cells.  In essence, the key to a long, healthy life with a robust heart lies in a combination of factors: maintaining oral health, engaging in regular exercise, adhering to a wholesome, organic, whole-food diet, quitting smoking, and moderating alcohol intake.  These steps collectively pave the way to heart well-being and a fulfilling life.

Editor’s note: Did you know that up to 80% of disease symptoms are caused by problems in the mouth?  Find out how to protect your health by correcting problems in the mouth.  Click here to get access to the Holistic Oral Health Summit created by NaturalHealth365 Programs.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
AHAJournals.org
Nature.com
Medicalxpress.com