Very few people are aware of the fact that gum disease and heart problems have been linked by numerous studies. In addition, not knowing how to prevent gum disease may ultimately lead to a number of additional medical problems. Now at its very simplest, gum disease is and an infection that is caused by bacteria in your mouth. Gum disease is more formerly known as periodontal disease. The least severe of the gum diseases is called gingivitis.
Heart problems and gum disease are indeed linked. In fact, bacteria found in the mouth called Streptococcus Viridans are found in nearly half of all cases of infective endocarditis. Anaerobic bacteria spread beyond the oral cavity is one of the problems with advanced gum disease. These harmful microorganisms will spread to other systems and organs within your body, including the heart and brain.
Infective endocarditis is basically an infection found in the heart and will manifest within the valves or even the chambers. The infection is caused by the same bacteria present in the mouth and responsible for periodontal disease. These bacteria will eventually leave the oral cavity when the treatment for gum disease proves ineffective-and will spread to other systems and organs in the body-including the heart.
