THE CONNECTION BETWEEN PERIODONTAL AND HEART DISEASE
Yes, there is a connection between periodontal disease and heart disease. Periodontal disease is a serious bacterial infection that can destroy the gums and surrounding tissues of the mouth. The progression from this disease to the life threatening condition of heart disease can present itself as follows:
There are three stages to periodontal disease which can lead up to heart disease.
- Gingivitis: In this stage, the gums pull away from the teeth forming pockets of bacterial infection.
- Moderate Periodontal Disease: In this stage, the pockets that have already formed start to deepen as they fill with more plaque, toxins and bacteria. One third of the bone supporting the teeth has been irreversibly lost.
- Advanced Periodontal Disease: In this stage, the gums severely recede from the tooth and the pockets deepen and fill with pus. Bone continues to be lost and eventually teeth may be lost.
CONNECTION TO HEART DISEASE HAPPENS IN THIS WAY:
1. Plaque creates the deep pockets in the gingiva, mentioned above, and this exposes a portal of entry which allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream.
2. Bacteria flows within the healthy normal artery and punctures the inner wall creating "nicks" in the wall. The body responds and makes "foam cells" to repair the damage. These cells expand where the wall was punctured and the passageway for blood starts to narrow.
3. Next, LDL cholesterol flows through the bloodstream and attaches to the foam cells, furthering restricting blood flow.
4. Finally, white blood cells attach to the LDL cholesterol and restrict or completely block blood flow which can then lead to heart attack or stroke.
There are three stages to periodontal disease which can lead up to heart disease.
- Gingivitis: In this stage, the gums pull away from the teeth forming pockets of bacterial infection.
- Moderate Periodontal Disease: In this stage, the pockets that have already formed start to deepen as they fill with more plaque, toxins and bacteria. One third of the bone supporting the teeth has been irreversibly lost.
- Advanced Periodontal Disease: In this stage, the gums severely recede from the tooth and the pockets deepen and fill with pus. Bone continues to be lost and eventually teeth may be lost.
CONNECTION TO HEART DISEASE HAPPENS IN THIS WAY:
1. Plaque creates the deep pockets in the gingiva, mentioned above, and this exposes a portal of entry which allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream.
2. Bacteria flows within the healthy normal artery and punctures the inner wall creating "nicks" in the wall. The body responds and makes "foam cells" to repair the damage. These cells expand where the wall was punctured and the passageway for blood starts to narrow.
3. Next, LDL cholesterol flows through the bloodstream and attaches to the foam cells, furthering restricting blood flow.
4. Finally, white blood cells attach to the LDL cholesterol and restrict or completely block blood flow which can then lead to heart attack or stroke.
226 Oakdale Road, Johnson City, NY 13790
PHONE: 607-729-6961
PHONE: 607-729-1425
EMAIL: [email protected]
PHONE: 607-729-6961
PHONE: 607-729-1425
EMAIL: [email protected]
