As reported by the chief physician of the dental clinic "All Yours," Victoria Karataeva, the risk of cardiovascular diseases may depend on unexpected factors. This statement was made in an interview with the Lenta.ru agency.
According to the expert, patients suffering from chronic gum diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, are at risk of atherosclerosis, stroke, and heart attack. Chronic inflammation, accompanied by bleeding, allows pathogenic bacteria to penetrate the blood vessels, leading to their thickening and the spread of these bacteria throughout the body via the bloodstream, causing damage to vital organs — the heart, kidneys, and eyes.
Karataeva emphasized that cardiologists and ophthalmologists often refer patients to dentists for an examination of the oral cavity and to rule out chronic infections. She explained that the success of treatment and prevention of serious diseases depends on timely diagnosis and the elimination of all possible causes.
She also noted that gum inflammation triggers the activation of the immune system, leading to a chronic inflammatory process affecting the blood vessels throughout the body. This, in turn, contributes to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques and blood clots, which can cause heart attacks and strokes.
According to Karataeva, patients with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases are at the highest risk. The risk group also includes people with diabetes, smokers, as well as those who do not visit the dentist for long periods and neglect oral hygiene and the prevention of dental and gum diseases.
