Signs when brushing teeth warn of heart disease

Experts at Harvard Medical School (USA) have pointed out that the risk ofheart diseaseYours may be revealed when you brush your teeth. Next time you spit out toothpaste, look in the sink.

If you see spots of blood, it is a sign of gum disease. Experts say: “People with gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) are 2-3 times more likely to develop heart disease than others.”

"Periodontal disease increases the body's inflammatory burden," explains dentist Hatice Hasturk.

Chronic inflammation is thought to be a major contributor to atherosclerosis – arteries becoming clogged with plaques made of fat and cholesterol – a precursor to heart disease.

How to prevent gum disease

Dr. Hasturk recommends asking your dentist for proper brushing and flossing instructions. Daily flossing is important because it removes the sticky film between teeth that leads to plaque buildup.

You should have your teeth professionally cleaned at the dentist's office twice a year.

Illustration: Hellogiggles

Signs of gum disease:

- Gums are swollen, red, and soft

- Gums bleed easily

- Pus between teeth and gums

- Bad breath

- Buildup of hard brown deposits along the gum line

- Loose teeth or crooked teeth.

How to treat gum disease

“Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal disease and the only stage that is reversible,” say the experts at Hawkins Family Dentistry.

Symptoms include bleeding during brushing and flossing, persistent bad breath, and red and swollen gums.

“Detecting gum disease at this early stage can help prevent it from progressing to a more difficult-to-treat stage later on,” the doctor adds.

Treatment includes professional dental cleanings, as well as good brushing and flossing techniques twice daily.

If there is decay between the teeth, the patient cannot restore it to its original state. At this stage, the dentist can only manage and control the infection.

Heart disease

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, more than cancer, whether in developed or developing countries. In Vietnam, according to statistics from the Ministry of Health, each year about 200,000 people die from cardiovascular disease, accounting for 33% of all deaths.

The basic signs of heart disease include chest pain and shortness of breath.

To reduce your risk, you should eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking and drinking too much alcohol.

Such lifestyle changes can reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, and atherosclerosis, all of which can lead to a longer, healthier life.