Question By: Gum disease begins when the sticky, bacteria-laden film dentists refer to as plaque builds up around teeth. A completely different type of plaque — made of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in blood. People with gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) have two to three times the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular event. But there may not be a direct connection. Many people with heart disease have healthy gums, and not everyone with gum disease develops heart problems. Smile League has Joliet gum disease treatment in a relaxed, friendly, professional environment, so please reach out and schedule an appointment.
The Research and Study Between Gum Disease and Heart Disease:
Some recent research studies show an association between gum disease and heart disease.
• A study has found that people with active periodontitis, or gum disease, have a greater risk of experiencing major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes.
• People who have had gum disease in the past but no longer have inflamed gums do not appear to be at greater risk.
• The study suggests that gum disease leads to increased arterial inflammation, which is responsible for cardiovascular events.
A number of theories have been proposed, including:
• The bacteria that infect the gums and cause gingivitis and periodontitis also travel to blood vessels elsewhere in the body where they cause blood vessel inflammation and damage; tiny blood clots, heart attack and stroke may follow.
• Rather than bacteria causing the problem, it's the body's immune response – inflammation – that sets off a cascade of vascular damage throughout the body, including the heart and brain.
Gum disease symptoms
Regular visits to your dentist can help with early diagnosis and treatment of gum disease. You should also let your dentist know if you have any symptoms of gum disease, including:
• persistent bad breath
• swollen, red gums
• tender gums that bleed easily
• pain with chewing
• highly sensitive teeth
• receding gums or sunken teeth
• loose teeth or changes in bite
Heart disease symptoms
If your doctor suspects heart disease, they will make a diagnosis based on your medical history. The following are common symptoms of heart disease:
• chest pain, also known as angina, resulting from your heart not getting enough oxygen
• arrhythmia, also known as irregular heart beat
• shortness of breath
• unexpected fatigue
Prevention
There are many healthy lifestyle habits you can use to maintain good oral hygiene and reduce your risk of gum and heart diseases.
• Brush your teeth and tongue at least twice per day. Ask your dentist to demonstrate the correct technique for brushing.
• Floss between your teeth and gums at least once per day.
• Use mouthwash regularly.
• Refrain from smoking or chewing tobacco.
• Drink water that contains fluoride.
• Eat a diet high in vegetables, high-fiber foods, low-sugar fruits, and vegetable-based proteins.
• See a dentist twice per year for regular cleanings and checkups.
• Be mindful of early signs of gum disease, such as bleeding gums and constant bad breath. Let your dentist know if you have any of these symptoms.
Treatment really depends on your exact condition — we'll have to take a look to see what we can do. Also, if you already come in a couple of times a year, you can be confident that your dentist is already keeping an eye out for any signs of gum disease. For more questions or to make an appointment, feel free to reach out to our experienced Smile League Dentist in Joliet at any time.
Visit https://smileleaguedental.com/the-relationship-between-gum-disease-and-heart-disease for more information.
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