A Look at the Connection Between Gum Disease and Heart Health

Did you know that a whopping 50% of American adults over the age of 30 suffer with gum disease? As an experienced dentist in Carrollton, TX, I know first-hand the detrimental effects dental problems like this can have on your oral and overall health. In the beginning, this infection can result in everything from gum inflammation to tooth loss. If left untreated, however, it can lead to another dangerous condition: heart disease.

So, How Are Gum Disease and Heart Health Linked?

An infection in any part of your body is dangerous. However, an infection in your mouth poses a serious risk for a number of reasons. In addition to wreaking havoc on your gums and the structure that holds your teeth in place, the harmful, inflammation-causing bacteria can travel through your bloodstream to your vital organs, including your heart. As a result, the arteries are vulnerable to swelling, clotting, and inflammation. That’s why patients with gum disease are two to three times more likely to experience a cardiovascular event, like a heart attack or stroke. So, if you think your smile is the only thing at risk, think again.

The Most Common Symptoms of Gum Disease

Since gum disease can develop quickly, resulting in serious damage to your oral health and overall well-being, it’s important to be aware of the common symptoms. That way, you can get in touch with your dentist the moment any of them arise. Here are a few to look out for:

• Bleeding while brushing and flossing your teeth.

• Red, swollen, irritated gums.

• Chronic bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.

• Receding gums.

• Deep pockets between the teeth and gums.

• Loose or shifting teeth.

• Changes to your bite.

How Gum Disease Is Treated

The earlier gum disease is detected, the easier it is to treat. The first step toward treating the infection is scheduling an appointment with your dentist. During your visit, they will take a look at your oral cavity and determine the best course of action. In the early stages, gum disease can be managed with a professional dental cleaning and a solid oral hygiene routine at home. More advanced stages require scaling and root planing, which is a deep cleaning done under a local anesthetic. Severe cases may require surgery, typically involving soft tissue grafts, guided tissue regeneration, and the like. Each of these approaches to gum disease treatment is not only effective and safe, but they are pain-free thanks to the help of powerful numbing agents. So, don’t let the fear of a potentially painful procedure stop you from getting the much-needed treatment you deserve.

7 Must-Know Tips for Preventing Gum Disease

Although the prevalence of gum disease in America is staggering, it’s important to remember good oral health rests heavily on proper prevention. In short, with the right best practices in place, you can significantly decrease your risk of developing this serious infection. So, if you aren’t doing so already, make sure to:

• Brush your teeth for two full minutes after each meal (or at least twice a day).
• Floss at least once daily.
• Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash regularly.
• Visit your dentist every six months for a dental checkup and cleaning (or sooner if any abnormal symptoms arise or you require more frequent periodontal treatments).
• Eat a balanced diet filled with vitamin-rich foods.
• Limit your consumption of sugary foods and drinks, like soda and candy.
• Quit unhealthy dental habits, like smoking and using your teeth as tools.

Since gum disease is so prevalent among American adults, it can be tempting to brush it off as nothing serious. However, it’s crucial to remember the dangerous consequences of letting this infection develop unchecked, for both your smile and your heart.