Find Out How Gum Disease Can Be Linked to Poor Heart Health

You’ve eaten dinner, enjoyed a nice, relaxing evening on the couch watching television, and now it’s time for bed. You can barely keep your eyes open, so you make the decision to skip out, again, on brushing and flossing your teeth. This continual avoidance can allow bacteria and plaque to build up around your gum line and turn into gum disease. It can also allow that same bacteria to burrow holes into your teeth and create cavities. While it is damaging your oral health, you might be surprised to learn it can also have a negative impact on your heart health.

What is Gum Disease?

Your gums are just as important as your teeth, and when visiting your dentist for your regular checkup, the hygienist will be looking to see if any pockets are forming within your gums. This is because gum disease is one of the most common oral health problems seen by dentists. When bacteria and plaque grow above the gum line, it turns into gingivitis. This can be easily reversed with thorough cleanings by your dentist and practicing good oral habits at home.

However, when gingivitis is left to advance into a more serious type of gum disease (periodontitis), it can cause your gums to bleed, become inflamed, and even lead to bone and tooth loss. In these situations, your dental team, including a skilled periodontist, will perform a scaling and root planing procedure to remove plaque and tartar buildup from around the gum line and prevent reinfection in the future.

What is the Connection Between Gum and Heart Health?

Everyone has good and bad bacteria in their mouth. When too much of the bad bacteria builds up, it can create pockets within your gums. Pus begins to generate and bacteria spreads beneath the gum line and enters the bloodstream. As your gums become inflamed, the plaque can form and harden on your arteries, which, in turn, increases your chances of a heart attack. Hypertension and stroke are other problems that can result from hardened arteries and blockage.

How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?

If you ask your dentist what you can do to prevent gum disease, you’ll probably see a big smile appear on his face. This is because you are making the decision to be proactive about your oral health. Waiting until a problem occurs isn’t the right course of action. Instead, taking steps to prevent a problem is what your dentist likes to see. Try these tips, and start noticing the difference in your smile:

• Brush twice a day for two minutes and floss at least once a day
• Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash
• Visit your dentist every six months
• Stop smoking

Never underestimate what an infection or disease of the mouth can have on the rest of your body. Everything you ingest must pass through your mouth, so keep your oral and overall health in check by following the above-mentioned tips and seeing your dentist for regular cleanings.

About the Author
Dr. Jayme Martinez attended Baylor College of Dentistry for his dental degree. While pursuing his degree, he achieved certification in nitrous oxide and Level 1 Sedation. Dr. Martinez and the team at Kessler Park Dental believe in the importance of maintaining optimal oral health. Through general cleanings, he and his staff will work to address any problems in its early stages, but if conditions have worsened, they are committed to providing various therapies to remedy the situation. For questions about our services, visit our website or call (214) 303-9969.