Periodontal Disease and Your Heart

Periodontal disease is an inflammation and infection of the gums and other tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth, including the bone and ligaments. A buildup of plaque may lead to the gums pulling away from the teeth and forming pockets, which allow bacteria and infection-causing debris to collect and erode the surrounding ligaments and bone. The teeth become loose and then may fall out. Symptoms include swollen gums that bleed easily, and chronic bad breath.

You may be thinking, why is this important? Good oral hygiene can be just as important as exercise and a healthy diet in the prevention of heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, there is a direct link between gum disease and hardening of the arteries and other coronary heart disease. That's because chronic periodontal disease appears to be a first link in a chain that sets off an inflammatory process that contributes to the build-up of plaque on the artery walls.

In addition to brushing and flossing, you can also defend against the development of gum disease by supplementing with the amino acid N-acetylcysteine (NAC). It can give a powerful boost to your body's natural production of glutathione. Low levels of this antioxidant have been associated with periodontal disease. You can find NAC supplements in most health food stores and vitamin shops.