Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of death worldwide, claiming an estimated 17.9 million lives each year. While there are few early signs of heart attacks, there is one indicator that suggests a potential risk while brushing your teeth. As with most cardiovascular diseases, a heart attack occurs when one or more coronary arteries become blocked. A feeling of tightness or pressure in the center of the chest often signals an impending heart attack.
One of the primary risk factors for this condition is being overweight, but increasing research points to bacteria as a potential cause. When bacteria enter the bloodstream and reach the heart, they can cause deadly infections in the heart's inner lining. Now, a new study has identified a common condition that may increase the risk of germs entering the bloodstream, leading to a heart attack.
Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is an infection that affects the gums and targets the soft tissues and bones supporting the teeth. An early sign of this condition is bleeding gums while brushing, which usually occurs during gingivitis—a milder form of periodontitis. While gum bleeding is relatively common, it should not be ignored, as periodontitis can still be easily reversed in its early stages. However, more advanced and severe forms of the disease can pave the way for other serious illnesses.
Moreover, some oral health surveys have indicated that at any one time, one in four adults suffers from moderate to severe gum disease. The signs and symptoms of the disease include:
- Swollen or puffy gums
- Gum discoloration with bright red, dark red, or purple shades
- Pain-free sensations when touching the gums
- A toothbrush stained pink after brushing
- Spitting blood while brushing or flossing
- Bad breath
- Pus between the teeth and gums
The new study conducted in Sweden included 1,578 participants with an average age of 62, who underwent dental examinations between 2010 and 2014. Among these patients, 985 were classified as healthy, while 489 had moderate periodontitis, and 113 had severe periodontitis.
During a follow-up period of 6.2 years, there were 205 primary endpoint events, defined as death from any cause, non-fatal heart attack, stroke, or acute heart failure. Researchers noted that participants with periodontitis were 49 percent more likely to experience these serious conditions, according to the British newspaper Express.
