04:01 p
Wednesday 01 February 2023
A new study warns of poor oral health, indicating that it may increase the risk of serious diseases.
Brushing and flossing regularly is essential when it comes to good oral hygiene, and this prevents problems such as cavities and gum disease, and it also provides protection for the heart, according to a scientific study.
A recent study by a team from Hiroshima University in Japan found a significant association between gums and heart health, according to the British newspaper Express.
Through the study of 76 participants with heart disease, the researchers were able to establish a link between periodontitis, acute gingivitis, and atrial fibrosis.
Atrial fibrillation is scarring of one end of the heart’s left atrium that can lead to an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation.
This is a condition that leads to an irregular and often abnormally fast heartbeat.
People with atrial fibrillation are at greater risk of strokes and even heart failure, both of which can be fatal.
In a statement to Science Daily, first study author Shunsuke Miyauchi explained: “Gingivitis is associated with long-term inflammation, and inflammation plays a major role in the development of atrial fibrosis and the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation. We hypothesized that periodontitis exacerbates atrial fibrosis.”
This study aims to clarify the relationship between the clinical periodontitis status and the degree of atrial fibrillation.
As part of the research, left atrial polyps were surgically removed from the patients. The researchers then analyzed the tissue to determine the relationship between the severity of the atrial fibrillation and the severity of the periodontal disease.
The team discovered that the worse the periodontitis, the worse the fibrosis, suggesting that gingivitis may lead to increased inflammation and heart disease.
“This study provides essential evidence that periodontitis can exacerbate atrial fibrillation and could be a new modifiable risk factor for atrial fibrillation,” said study co-author Yukiko Nakano.
Nakano suggests that taking good care of your gums can help manage atrial fibrillation in the same way as improving other risk factors, such as weight, activity levels, and tobacco and alcohol use.
However, she added, “More evidence is needed to show that periodontitis contributes to atrial fibrillation in a causal way and that periodontal care can alter fibrosis. One of our goals is to confirm that periodontitis is a modifiable risk factor for atrial fibrillation and to promote the involvement of dental professionals.” in the management of systemic atrial fibrillation”.
She continued, “Periodontic inflammation is an easy target to modify at a lower cost among the known atrial fibrillation risk factors. Thus, the realization of this study series may benefit many people around the world.”
Factors that can increase your risk of developing periodontitis include:
– Gingivitis
Bad habits for oral health
– smoking
Hormonal changes, such as those related to pregnancy or menopause
Obesity
Inadequate nutrition, including vitamin C deficiency
– Genetics
Certain medications that cause dry mouth or gum changes
Conditions that cause immunodeficiency, such as leukemia, HIV/AIDS, and cancer treatment
Certain diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease
Symptoms of the condition include:
Swollen or swollen gums
Bright red, dark red or purple gums
– A feeling of pain when touching the gums
Gums that bleed easily
A pink toothbrush after brushing
Spitting up blood when brushing or flossing your teeth
Bad breath
Pus between the teeth and gums
Loose teeth or tooth loss
Painful chewing
New spaces develop between the teeth
Brushing your teeth twice a day and attending regular dental appointments can help prevent gingivitis.