Khaberni - The American Heart Association (AHA) issued a statement warning of a close link between gum health and heart and arterial diseases.
A statement from the American Heart Association (AHA) published in the journal Circulation mentions a connection between gum disease and the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques, which increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Experts explained that gum inflammation, medically known as periodontitis, allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream, enhancing chronic inflammation that damages blood vessels and accelerates cardiovascular disease development. Accumulating evidence links periodontitis not only with coronary heart disease and strokes but also with arrhythmias, heart failure, and peripheral artery disease.
Periodontitis is a common disease, affecting over 40% of adults over the age of thirty, and is more prevalent among people with high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and smokers. Although the direct causal relationship between gum disease and heart disease has not yet been conclusively proven, scientists emphasize that reducing chronic inflammation, including treating gum disease, could play an important role in preventing cardiovascular complications.
The authors of the statement emphasized the importance of brushing and flossing teeth regularly, along with conducting preventative checks periodically, not only to maintain oral health, but also to support heart health. They stressed that this is particularly crucial for people who have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, urging greater attention to gum health.
