When it comes to keeping your heart healthy, we always consider factors such as healthy eating, regular exercise, and abstaining from smoking. However, another area is your oral health, which is also pivotal in keeping your heart healthy. Some startling facts about gum disease and heart health have recently come to light.
When we maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise for a healthy cardiovascular system, oral health is often overlooked. Studies found that poor gum health can increase your risk of cardiovascular disorders like a heart attack and stroke. In this blog, you will learn everything about gum disease and its impact on heart health.
What is Gum Disease?
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth. It starts with Gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease that is characterized by plaque accumulation along the gum line. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that causes them to become red, swollen, and bleed easily, but it can be reversed with good dental hygiene practices.
If left unattended, gingivitis is likely to progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease. Periodontitis might lead to gum recession, the development of pockets, or even bone damage in the areas where your teeth are supported. Oral healthcare and regular visits to a dentist in Alpharetta are therefore essential for preventing and treating gum disease.
The Impact of Gum Disease on Heart Health
Research makes it clear that the risk of heart disease is high in people who have gum disease. This is because the disease causes inflammation of the gum tissues. Bacteria from the infected gums may enter the bloodstream, leading to systemic inflammation. This may accelerate heart disease by narrowing the arteries.
The sequence begins when bacteria from gum disease enter the bloodstream via the minute blood vessels found in the gum tissues. When bacteria are in the bloodstream, they can reach other parts of the body, such as the heart. Over time, this puts the person at risk of developing extensive arterial plaque, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis limits blood flow in the heart, raising the susceptibility to a heart attack and stroke.
Signs of Gum Disease
Identifying gum disease symptoms can help you avoid severe conditions like gum disease’s effect on the heart. Gum disease always starts with mild symptoms but may advance if it’s not treated. Here are symptoms to look out for:
- Bleeding Gums: If your gums bleed during brushing or flossing, this may indicate the early stage of gum disease, called gingivitis. Bleeding gums are not healthy gums.
- Halitosis (Persistent Bad Breath): The bacteria that exist in the gums that have become infected can cause halitosis that just won’t disappear after brushing.
- Swollen or Red Gums: A healthy gum is pink and firm. Swollen or irritated gums with a redder hue may indicate a gum infection.
- Receding Gums: If you notice your gums receding around your teeth, it can expose more of the tooth or root surface. This is one way that periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is detected.
- Painful Chewing or Sensitivity: Sensitivity when chewing or when you come into contact with hot or cold substances can be attributed to gum disease and its potential damage to your gums and teeth.
Tips to Maintain a Healthy Mouth for a Healthy Heart
Keeping your mouth healthy goes beyond flashing your bright smile in the mirror; maintaining your heart’s wellness matters. Doing so protects your mouth’s gums from diseases that cause heart ailments. Below are some easy tips for maintaining your mouth’s as well as your heart’s wellness:
1. Brush Twice a Day
Brushing your teeth for at least 2 minutes, twice a day, with fluoride toothpaste helps remove plaque and bacteria that can cause gum disease and heart complications.
2. Floss Daily
Flossing helps remove food particles and dental plaque from between your teeth and along your gumline, where a toothbrush may not reach. Flossing reduces inflammation and the risk of gum disease.
3. Use Mouthwash
An antibacterial mouthwash can kill bacteria associated with gum disease and bad breath, offering additional protection for your gums and overall health.
4. Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet
Eating lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as other protein sources, is good for your heart and your gums, too. Foods that are high in sugar can cause plaque formation and swelling.
5. Avoid Smoking
Both gum disease and heart disease are very common among smokers. Giving up smoking has many health benefits for your gums and your heart.
Protect Your Heart and Gums
Taking care of your gums means more than keeping your teeth. Gum health is crucial to overall health, and what you do for your mouth can make big changes in your heart health.
If you are worried about gum disease or the possibility that it may present concerning your heart health, do not delay in taking care of it. At Johns Creek Dental Studio, we can help you achieve healthy gums by treating gum disease. Contact us today to schedule a dental appointment and take your first step towards a healthy and confident smile.
Questions People Ask About Gum Disease
1. Can gum disease cause a heart attack?
While gum disease itself doesn’t directly cause a heart attack, it can increase the risk of heart disease, which in turn raises the likelihood of a heart attack. Chronic inflammation caused by gum disease may contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries.
2. How do I know if I have gum disease?
Common symptoms of gum disease include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, bad breath, and receding gums. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to visit your dentist in Alpharetta for a thorough evaluation and treatment.
3. Is heart disease the only risk linked to gum disease?
While heart disease is one of the most well-known risks, gum disease has also been linked to other serious health conditions, including stroke, diabetes, and respiratory diseases. Proper oral care can reduce the risks associated with these conditions.
4. Can gum disease be reversed?
In the early stages, gum disease (gingivitis) can often be reversed with good oral hygiene and professional cleanings. However, if it progresses to periodontitis, more intensive treatments may be necessary, such as deep cleaning, scaling, or even surgery.
5. Should I worry about my heart health if I have gum disease?
If you have gum disease, it’s important to be proactive about your overall health. Gum disease can increase the risk of heart disease, so it’s essential to maintain regular dental visits, a healthy diet, and a lifestyle that supports heart health.
