A dentist has warned that poor oral health could increase the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease, among other issues. Speaking on Steven Bartlett’s podcast, The Diary Of A CEO, Dr Victoria Sampson, a researcher and functional dentist, revealed: “Research has shown that if you have gum disease, you are at a 20% higher chance of high blood pressure.”
She added: “Up to 30 to 40% of cardiac issues in hospital can be traced back to an oral bacteria causing problems in the heart valve.” Dr Sampson explained that toxic enzymes released by bacteria can travel through the bloodstream, preventing blood vessels from widening, which can cause complications for blood trying to reach the heart, as the Mirror reports.
During the episode, the expert highlighted the connection between the oral microbiome and other diseases. “Having an imbalanced oral microbiome increases your risk of oral diseases,” she warned, referencing problems like gum disease and decay. But it can also increase your risk of other systemic diseases like high blood pressure, heart disease, and infertility,” the expert added.
Dr Samson acknowledged various factors contribute to oral health. “We have a lot of patients who suffer from terrible gum disease. “They come to me and brush three times a day, they’ve never touched a cigarette, they have immaculate oral hygiene, they eat very well, but they have terrible gum disease.
“Those patients might have genetic mutations that predispose them to gum disease and to inflammation,” she said. The British Heart Foundation has also recognised the connection between gum disease and heart health.
A statement on its website says: “Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and has also been linked to an increased risk of developing heart or blood vessel problems. But we still don’t really understand how gum disease and cardiovascular disease are connected.”
How poor oral hygiene is linked to heart disease:
Bacteria from poor oral hygiene can cause inflammation in the body, which can lead to hardened arteries and a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. Bacteria from poor oral hygiene can also enter the bloodstream and cause infections in the heart lining, called endocarditis. Endocarditis is a rare but serious disease that’s difficult to treat and has a high mortality rate.
Gum disease can worsen blood pressure and interfere with medications to treat hypertension. Poor dental health can pose a risk to people with heart valve problems.
To protect yourself from gum disease and heart disease, you can:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush
- Use an ADA-accepted toothpaste
- Floss daily
- Visit your dental hygienist for regular professional cleanings