Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an inflammatory disease usually caused by bacteria. The bacterial infection causes inflammation, and this inflammation permanently destroys the gums and bone that support our teeth. The bacteria and inflammation from our gums can spread to other parts of our body.
Similarly, cardiovascular disease is an inflammatory disease usually caused by plaques in our arteries. Inflammation in our arteris cause plaques to buildup in our arteries, which then causes more inflammation. This inflammation and the plaques or clots that result from this process can spread to other parts of our body, blocking or rupturing our arteries which causes heart attacks or strokes.
Our body is one whole system. Each part and process of our body must do its job for the system to work in harmony so we can be healthy. It is important to make the best choices we can to help keep each part and process of our body working well. If one part falters like our teeth and gums, it can affect how well our whole body system works -
periodontal disease increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by 2x!
Most plaques in our carotid arteries that supply blood to our brain contain periodontal pathogens (bacteria of periodontal disease). We can help you with
genetic testing for the types of periodontal pathogens
in your mouth.
At 'Aiea Pearl City Dental Care, we do our best from a dental perspective to help keep this whole body system functioning in harmony so that we are healthy enough to continue our pursuit of joy in life. However, we are not medical professionals so please seek the advice of your medical team to stay heart healthy.
A good source to reference is the
Bale Doneen Method
and their book called,
"Beat the Heart Attack Gene."
How To Boost Our Heart Health:
Quit smoking and avoid second hand smoke.
Mind our weight, BMI, waist line
Stay on top of diabetes control and any family history of diabetes
Keep our gums healthy and our mouth free of infections like abscesses or cavities
Sleep 6-8 hours on a consistent schedule
Avoid sugary drinks (including diet drinks). Drink 8 glasses of water per day, up to four 8oz coffees per day, and green tea is also beneficial.
Eat fiber, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids
Exercise at least 22 minutes a day, interval training is best
Stress management: take vacations and relaxation breaks. Listen to music, laugh, spend time with friends and family.
Dark chocolate (at least 72% cocoa)
: 7.5 grams / day
Be aware of our family's health history
Be mindful of our genetics
Consult our physician before taking Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and calcium supplements (these may or may not be beneficial for us). Also consult our physician before taking heart supplements like Coq-10, cinnamon, chromium, or niacin (vitamin B3).
Get enough sunshine (vitamin D)
Genetics:
9P21 the "Heart Attack Gene"
K1F6
Apo E
Other Goals from
Bale Doneen Method:
BMI: Less than 25
Blood Pressure: Less than 115/75 for most people
Pulse: Less than 75 bpm
TC/HDL ratio (Total cholesterol level divided by HDL level): Less than 3.0 mg/dL
TG/HDL ratio (Triglycerides level divded by HDL level): Depends on ethnicity: less than 2.0-3.5 mg/dL
Lipoprotein (a): Normal
LDL (bad) Cholesterol: less than 130 mg/dL for most people (could be less than 70 mg/dL for some people)
Apolipoprotein B (Apo B): Less than 60 mg/dL
Fasting Blood-Sugar Test: Less than 100 mg/dL
Hemoglobin A1C Test: Less than 5.5%
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test with 75 g glucose: One hour - less than 125 mg/dL. Two hour - less than 120 mg/dL.
Good liver function
Good kidney function
Good Thyroid function
Low inflammatory markers in blood and urine tests
Metabolic Syndrome:
Triples the risk of a heart attack. It is insulin resistance which causes 70% of all heart attacks. You have metabolic syndrome if you have three or more of the following:
1) A large waist:
Men:
Caucasians, African Americans, Hispanics: 40" or higher
Asians: 35" or higher
Women:
Caucasians, African Americans, Hispanics: 35" or higher
Asians: 31" or higher
2) High blood pressure: at or above 130/85
3) Low HDL cholesterol: below 50 mg/dL for women, or 40mg/dL for men
4) High triglycerides: 150 mg/dL or above, OR currently being treated for high TGs
5) High fasting blood sugar: 100 mg/dL or higher
Other Risks for Cardiovascular Disease:
Smoking
Obesity
Sleep apnea
Sedentary lifestyle - not enough exercise, too much sitting, too much screen time
Family history
Genetics
Insulin resistance
Diabetes
Gum disease
Poor sleep schedule
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis
Gout
Erectile dysfunction
Vitamin D deficiency
Migraine headaches
High stress
Poor diet
Tooth infections