Did you know that the state of your smile could have an impact on your heart? Research shows that people with gum disease tend to be at a higher risk of experiencing heart attacks, strokes, and other forms of heart disease. In celebration of American Heart Month, here is a closer look at the surprising relationship between your oral health and cardiovascular health.
How Can Gum Disease Increase Your Risk for Heart Problems?
Gum disease occurs when harmful bacteria attack the soft tissues that help support your teeth. One of the side effects of the condition is that it causes the gums to bleed more easily. Said bleeding may allow the bacteria in your mouth to enter your bloodstream.
As the bacteria travel throughout the body, they can cause inflammation that damages important blood vessels. This can eventually lead to narrowed arteries, thus significantly increasing your risk for heart disease. Furthermore, if the bacteria that cause gum disease reach your heart, it could result in a dangerous infection known as endocarditis.
How Can You Avoid Gum Disease?
It is not yet proven that gum disease directly causes heart disease, but the available evidence does suggest a very strong association between the two. Thus, maintaining healthy gums is an important step to take if you want to protect the health of your heart.
In order to reduce your risk for gum disease, you should:
- Brush at least two times a day and pay extra close attention to the area where the teeth meet the gums.
- Floss daily to get rid of the hard-to-reach plaque and food particles that can contribute to gum problems.
- Eat more foods that promote healthy gums, including leafy greens and fatty fish.
- Visit your dentist every six months for routine preventive care.
How Can Gum Disease Be Treated?
If you do end up developing gum disease, you should take steps to address it as quickly as possible. While the condition is still in its earliest stages, you might be able to reverse it with good oral hygiene. On the other hand, more advanced forms of gum disease often call for professional treatment in the form of scaling and root planing. This procedure involves carefully removing plaque and tartar from around and below the gumline before smoothing out the roots of the teeth to make it harder for bacteria to accumulate on them.
A healthy smile can make a bigger difference for the rest of your body than you might realize. Be sure to take whatever steps you can to keep gum disease at bay; your heart will thank you in the long run.
About the Author
Dr. Andrew Aziz is a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. He has worked as a dentist in a number of cities, and he has completed advanced training for cosmetic dentistry, oral surgery, and endodontics. At his current practice, My Frederick Dentist, he offers scaling and root planing along with other forms of gum disease treatment. If you’re concerned about bleeding or swollen gums, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Aziz by visiting his website or calling (301) 698-9552.