A dentist has issued an urgent warning, explaining that skipping a vital bathroom routine could raise your chances of a heart attack as much as nine times. According to the expert, patients with severe gum disease are putting their cardiovascular health at risk.
Many of us aim to brush our teeth twice a day to keep them clean and avoid decay. But this habit is more important than we think.
Dr José Nart, a specialist in dentistry, professor of periodontics, and medical director at Nart Dental Clinic, revealed that failing to brush your teeth could have dangerous implications for the heart.
In a recent interview with fellow dentist Simón Pardiñas López on his YouTube channel podcast Dentalk, Dr Nart, said: “Patients with severe periodontitis have up to nine times the risk of suffering an acute myocardial infarction [heart attack].”
Periodontitis, which is also known as gum disease, is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and bone that supports your teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss if left untreated.
Dr Nart explained further: “The bacteria most associated with causing periodontitis – and today we are talking a lot about Porphyromonas gingivalis – have been found in the atheroma plaques of arteries, such as the carotids.”
Beyond its local impact, gum disease has been known to cause systemic inflammation and has been linked to diseases such as diabetes and Alzheimer’s. Dr Nart went on to say that the bacteria linked to gum disease can “cause damage to the inner layer of the endothelium of arteries,” a key factor in plaque formation and the development of cardiovascular events.
“They increase inflammation mediators, such as C-reactive protein,” the expert added. This protein is a marker used in medicine to assess inflammatory processes and cardiovascular risk.
He also criticised the lack of medical awareness regarding the link between oral health and cardiovascular diseases.
“Many doctors do not give it the importance it deserves or are unaware of it,” he said. “We are going to spread this important message.”
His advice is backed by studies, including one published in the International Journal of Cardiology: Metabolic & Endocrine in 2016. Study authors concluded: “Porphyromonas gingivalis was identified by sensitive detection in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), diagnosed by coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA).
“P. gingivalis in oral saliva can be a potential marker which is associated with clinical outcomes in patients with CAD.”
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To prevent gum disease, the NHS advises you:
- Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day – spit after brushing, do not rinse
- Clean in between your teeth every day using floss or interdental brushes
- Replace your toothbrush every one to three months
- See a dentist and dental hygienist for regular check-ups, especially if you’re pregnant or have type 2 diabetes
- Do not use mouthwash straight after brushing your teeth
- Do not smoke.
Symptoms of gum disease include your gums bleeding when you brush your teeth, floss or eat hard foods such as apples, and your gums becoming swollen, red and sore. You should speak to your dentist if you experience any of these symptoms.
