The Relationship Between Gum Disease and Heart Disease

There has been increasing evidence in recent years that gum disease and heart disease are linked. We don't know the exact mechanisms of this relationship yet, but the data indicate that people with gum disease are at higher risk for heart disease and infections.

What does that mean to you? The good news is that you might be fine. Many people who practice good oral hygiene and have regular dentist appointments never develop the advanced gum disease that correlates with an increased risk of cardiac problems.

If there is any doubt, please get a professional opinion. Both of these health problems tend to worsen slowly over time. The earlier you act, the more your dentist should be able to help.

Periodontitis and Heart Disease

One prevailing theory about the link between cardiac and periodontal is based on bacteria entering the bloodstream from infected gums. From there, the bacteria goes into the heart. Researchers have found the same type of bacteria infecting heart valve tissue (and artificial valve sites) that occurs in gum disease.

There's also a suggested link between different types of inflammation. People with gum disease seem to be at higher risk for strokes and heart attacks. Gum bacteria has also been found in arterial plaque.

Preventing Gum Disease

There are some available treatments for gum disease, but the best option is usually preventing it in the first place. Here are some of the things that should lower your risk:

●Regular preventive dentist appointments

●Flossing, brushing, and performing other recommended oral maintenance regularly

●Getting certain dental prosthetics

Cardiac and circulatory diseases are often extremely expensive and sometimes even dangerous to treat. The same is true to a lesser extent of advanced periodontitis. By comparison, prevention just makes sense.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum disease affects different people in different ways. This is one reason why you should keep a regular schedule of dentist appointments. We are trained to recognize the warning signs of this disease. We are even better equipped to catch things early if we have a consistent record of your oral health over the course of several years.

That said, it could help to keep an eye on your own health. Here are some of the symptoms you should watch for:

●Bleeding

●Swelling

●Pain (in teeth or gums)

●Bad breath

●Loose teeth

●Discoloration of gums

Schedule a Preventive or Diagnostic Appointment Today

Are you showing any of these symptoms? Do you have a history of heart disease in your family? Don't stress — act.

We believe that it's no use to worry about these things when you can simply get a professional opinion. Please call Ellicott City Dentistry at 410-465-3021 to schedule a diagnostic appointment.