Did you know that plaque buildup in your mouth may be connected to the plaque in your arteries? If you’ve just been diagnosed with gum disease, you’re not alone. Because over 85% of the U.S. population are affected by it, it’s important to know the other potential health problems that it could cause. Protecting your oral health now means more than preventing bad breath; it could mean shielding yourself from the leading cause of death in the United States, heart disease.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease is a condition caused by poor oral hygiene that results in inflamed gums. When plaque and tartar aren’t regularly cleaned from teeth, they build up around the gumline and cause bacterial infections there, resulting in gum disease, starting first as gingivitis and later developing into periodontitis. As one of the most common diseases in the United States, it can affect people of all ages and backgrounds.
When gum disease isn’t managed or treated by your dentist, it progresses and can result in bad breath, receding gums, and tooth loss. Recently, studies have started connecting it to more serious health problems such as dementia, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
What is Heart Disease?
Heart disease is an umbrella term for many different conditions that can affect your heart like heart arrhythmias, congenital heart defects, and coronary artery disease. To be more specific though, heart disease generally leads to blocked arteries that result in chest pain or a heart attack. To avoid this condition, which is the number one killer in the United States, it is important to protect your heart health so you can live a long productive life.
Some symptoms of heart disease include:
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Swelling in ankles, hands or feet
- Fatigue
With so many symptoms for different forms of heart disease, it’s best to contact your doctor if you experience any of them. If left to progress, results could be detrimental to your health.
What is the Connection Between Gum and Heart Disease?
Recent research has connected the bacteria that causes gum disease with the bacteria in clogged arteries in your heart. It’s been discovered that people affected by periodontitis are two or three times more likely to be affected by a cardiovascular event.
With some common risk factors such as smoking and unhealthy diet, many small links have been established between the two. Although there’s no proof yet that gum disease treatment by your dentist can directly prevent you from getting heart disease, there is a clear connection. At minimum, treating your gum disease can prevent your symptoms from worsening and can potentially save you from losing your teeth.
So what can you do to best protect your gums and physical health? It’s important to establish a daily oral routine of brushing and flossing. This helps to ensure that plaque and tartar buildup below your gum line doesn’t get out of control and lead to infections. The most important thing you can do is make sure to keep up on your semi-annual dental cleanings and checkups to spot any early signs of gum disease. If you are diagnosed, ask your dentist about treatment options that could halt progression and keep your smile as healthy as possible.
About the Practice
At Cambria Smiles, our top priority is providing our patients with personal care and getting to know them. Our high-quality of work can make you feel confident and comfortable smiling again. We strive to exceed your expectations and offer treatment plans customized just for your gum disease, like scaling and root planing. For any questions about periodontitis treatment or to schedule an appointment, please visit our website or contact us at 805-395-4823.