The connection between gum disease and heart health has been a topic of debate for years. Recent research suggests that there is a strong link between gum disease and the risk of heart-related illnesses, such as heart attack and stroke. Looking after our teeth should be taken just as seriously as maintaining general health if we’re to avoid long term illness related to dental health.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection of the gums and mouth due to poor oral hygiene. It’s caused by bacteria which accumulate around the teeth and below the gum line, leading to inflammation and irritation. If left untreated, it can cause destruction of the bone that supports your teeth and ultimately lead to tooth loss.

Stages of Gum Disease

Gum disease is a progressive condition, which means it can worsen over time. There are three stages of gum disease: gingivitis, periodontal disease, and advanced periodontal disease.

Gingivitis 

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and can be reversed with good oral hygiene. Symptoms include redness and swelling of the gums, bleeding after brushing and flossing, and bad breath.

Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is more severe than gingivitis and is caused by bacteria that invades the deeper structures of the gum line. Symptoms include receding gums, deep pockets between teeth and gums, and bone loss around the teeth.

Advanced Periodontal Disease

In advanced periodontal disease, the bacterial infection has spread to other parts of the body and is often accompanied by gum recession and bone loss. It can lead to tooth loss if not treated in time.

How Does Gum Disease Affect Your Heart?

Research shows that gum disease can increase the risk of heart-related illnesses. Studies have found that people with periodontal disease are twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease (CAD). It is believed that bacteria from the mouth enter the bloodstream and travel through the body, causing inflammation and plaque buildup in the arteries. Additionally, people with gum disease are more likely to suffer from stroke. This is because bacteria from the mouth can travel to other parts of the body and cause inflammation in the blood vessels leading to stroke.

A number of theories have been proposed on how gum disease can affect the heart, 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. Supporting this idea is the finding of remnants of oral bacteria within atherosclerotic blood vessels far from the mouth. Then again, antibiotic treatment has not proven effective at reducing cardiovascular risk.
• Rather than bacteria causing the problem, it’s the body’s immune response – inflammation. This sets off a cascade of vascular damage throughout the body, including the heart and brain.
• There may be no direct connection between gum disease and cardiovascular problems; the reason they may occur together is that there is a 3rd factor (such as smoking) that’s a risk factor for both conditions. Other potential “confounders” include poor access to healthcare and lack of exercise – perhaps people without health insurance or who don’t take good care of their overall health are more likely to have poor oral health and heart disease.

Prevention

Gum disease can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene. This includes regular brushing and flossing, as well as visiting your dentist for regular check-ups. Additionally, it is important to watch for early signs of problems such as redness, swelling, and bad breath. If you do notice these symptoms, it is important to visit your dentist for a checkup. They can determine what is causing the problem and provide proper treatment.

Treatment

The treatment for gum disease depends on the severity of the condition. For mild cases, good oral hygiene and regular check-ups may be all that is needed. For more severe cases, a procedure called scaling and root planing may be necessary. This involves cleaning the infected areas of the mouth to remove plaque and tartar buildup. In more advanced cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged tissue and bone.

No matter what treatment is needed, it is important to address oral health problems as soon as possible. Additionally, taking steps to address any underlying causes of oral health problems is important too. This includes things such as smoking or poor diet can help to reduce the risk of developing gum disease in the future. Taking care of your oral health is an important part of overall health. It can help to prevent serious complications such as heart-related illnesses. It is always best to speak with your dentist or doctor about any questions or concerns you may have regarding your oral health.

Make an Appointment with Mountain Aire Dentistry

At Mountain Aire Dentistry, we offer comprehensive dental care. Our team of experienced professionals can help treat and prevent gum disease with personalized treatment plans to fit your needs. Whether you need a checkup or more advanced treatments such as scaling and root planing, our staff is committed to providing the best possible care for you and your family. Contact our office to schedule an appointment today.