Did you know that the health of your gums can significantly impact the health of your heart? While many people think of gum disease as a localized oral health issue, research has uncovered a compelling connection between periodontal disease and cardiovascular health. Poor gum health can contribute to systemic inflammation, increase the risk of arterial plaque buildup, and even lead to life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks and strokes.
In this blog, we’ll explore how gum disease affects heart health, what you can do to prevent gum disease, and why regular dental visits are essential for maintaining overall wellness.
How Gum Disease Impacts Heart Health
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, causes chronic inflammation in the gums. Why is this bad? The inflammation can release harmful bacteria into the bloodstream, contributing to other parts of the body being inflamed, including the arteries. Additionally, chronic inflammation plays a key role in the development of plaque buildup in the arteries, which is also known as atherosclerosis. Plaque buildup in the arteries increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes, so it’s something to avoid.
Inflamed gums are caused by bacteria, which can enter the bloodstream through the gums and travel to other parts of the body. This type of bacteria has been found in arterial plaque, which is believed to contribute to cardiovascular disease and possibly make it worse. Additionally, gum disease may increase the risk of blood clots because it triggers the body to produce more proteins that cause blood to clot.
What Can You Do at Home To Avoid Gum Disease?
The best thing you can do to avoid gum disease is to have a foolproof oral hygiene routine. That means brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes — this includes brushing the gums. You’ll want to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently brush along the gums to remove plaque, which can prevent irritation.
Flossing is also important since it can remove hard-to-reach food particles and bacteria from between your teeth. You should floss at least once a day, though it’s suggested that you floss after each big meal.
Lifestyle choices also impact your gum health. It’s best to avoid smoking or other forms of nicotine, such as mouth tobacco, nicotine pouches, or vaping. These addictive products can weaken your gums and increase the risk of infections, such as gum disease.
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can also support gum health, boosting your immune system. Crunchy fruits are great for gum health because the fiber can help clean your teeth. Eating fruit also ramps up saliva production, which can wash away food particles and plaque.
The Role of Dentists in Reducing Risks
A dentist can spot gum disease before it’s a problem. Symptoms such as redness or swelling of the gums are tell-tale signs of early gum disease, which your dentist can find during a checkup. Dealing with gum disease at this point involves non-invasive treatments.
The first line of defense against gingivitis — the early stage of gum disease — is a professional dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup. With regular cleanings at least twice a year, you have a greater chance of avoiding gum disease or preventing it from getting worse and progressing to more serious forms. Dentists may also prescribe an antimicrobial rinse to deal with bacteria in the gums.
If allowed to progress, dentists may prescribe antibiotic therapy through the use of antibiotic gels or oral antibiotic treatments. Laser treatments may also be used if gingivitis progresses to periodontitis. At this stage, dealing with gum disease may require advanced procedures such as flap surgery and gum grafts to treat gum recession.
How Often Should a Person Visit the Dentist To Avoid Gum Disease?
Being on top of your oral hygiene is a great first step to avoiding gum disease. However, there is no substitute for seeing a dentist. The best thing you can do to avoid or deal with gum disease is to visit the dentist on a consistent schedule.
Everyone should visit the dentist at least once a year. Visiting the dentist’s office more than once per year is dependent on the oral health of the patient. If your teeth and gums are excellent, you may only need to visit once a year. However, that’s not the case for most people.
You may need to return for a check-up a few months after the initial visit, allowing your dentist to see how the gum disease is progressing, if at all. Don’t worry too much about how many times you may need to come back; your dentist will let you know if you need to come back and when.
Gum Disease Treatment in Angola, Warsaw, and Goshen
The connection between gum disease and heart health is undeniable. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly is a necessary step to avoid gum disease. Brushing, flossing, and making healthier lifestyle choices can protect your gums from disease and potentially lower your risk of serious cardiovascular conditions. Regular dental checkups are your best defense, helping to catch early signs of gum disease and prevent it from progressing to more advanced stages.Whether you think you may have gum disease or not, you owe it to yourself to visit the dentist. At Angola Dental Center and Aegis Dental Group, we can help you identify gum disease and treat it before it’s an issue. Request an appointment today to get ahead of gum disease.