Fit & Proper: For a healthy heart, look after your teeth

Whether periodontal (gum) disease contributes to cardiac disease is a subject that has been researched by several authors, and there are conflicting claims. However, one thing emerges clearly: You cannot neglect the toothbrush lying on the shelf of your washroom, as disease-free gums are imperative for your general health, including the health of your heart.

Both cardiac and periodontal diseases are highly prevalent and progress without any pain, thus posing major health problems. Both are insidious, slow to develop and caused by plaque. Plaque formed on the surface of the teeth traps bacteria, causing inflammation of the gums. And, in the case of coronary artery disease, it blocks the flow of blood, thereby cutting off blood supply to the heart.

Both plaques are different in nature, but harbour a common range of bacteria. Researchers throughout the world have established a possible link between oral health and a range of diseases, including cardiac disease through case control and cohort studies (that follows a group of people who do not have the disease for a period of time to see who develops the disease), and epidemiological evidence (the study of the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in defined populations).

While they are not ready to say with conviction that gum problems lead to cardiac disease, they all agree that there exists a relationship between the two. While researchers are still comparing their data, individuals can eliminate possible risk by getting the plaque and calculus removed with from their teeth to get a "zero infection mouth".

As explained by the American Dental Association, "Gum/periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth." It is most often caused by poor oral hygiene - in other words, by not brushing thoroughly or frequently enough, and not flossing on a daily basis. This allows the bacteria in plaque and calculus to stay on the teeth and infect the gums.

Vimal Arora
Chief clinical officer, Clove Dental, New Delhi