This February be sure to look after your teeth and gums to help keep your heart healthy!
Study after study have shown that people who have poor oral health (such as gum disease or tooth loss) have higher rates of cardiovascular problems such as heart attack or stroke than people with good oral health.
In this month’s blog we are going to look specifically at the link between gum diseaseand how it can cause or make heart disease worse.
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is inflammation of the gums. It can lead to the breakdown of the gums, teeth, and bone tissues that hold them in place. Heart disease refers to a broad set of conditions, including heart attack and stroke. Heart disease is caused by the narrowing or blockage of important blood vessels.Gum diseasemay increase the risk of heart disease because inflammation in the gums and bacteria may eventually lead to narrowing of important arteries.
Gum diseaseis also currently the leading cause of tooth loss in adults in the UK. So, this Valentine’s be sure to make oral hygiene a top priority for a healthy heart and show stopping smile.
Signs of Gum Disease
The main signs of gum disease are:
- Inflammation of the gums, causing them to be red, swollen and to bleed easily
- An unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Irregular mouth infections
If you notice any of these symptoms you should see your dental team immediately.Regular visits to your dentistcan help with early diagnosis and treatment of gum disease.
Gum diseasewill affect most people at some point in their lives and if treated effectively it should leave no lasting damage. Gum diseaseis caused by a build-up of plaque on the surface of teeth and gums. There are bacteria present in the plaque that have been found to be the leading cause of gum disease.
Treatment
Normally the first sign you will experience if you have gum diseaseis gums that bleed when you eat or brush your teeth. You may also notice you have bad breath.
At each check-up the dentist will assess your teeth and gums for any sign of gum disease. They will use probes to measure the amount of gum present around the teeth and may take x-rays to determine if there has been any bone loss in your jaw.
The dentist will remove the plaque and tartar present on your teeth and will refer you to the hygienistfor ongoing cleanings. The hygienist will also be able to advise you on the best oral hygiene routine to ensure that you remove plaque effectively at home, through tooth brushing and interdental cleaning.
If left untreated gum diseasecan progress to periodontitis. Periodontitis causes the gums to recede and can lead to the loss of bone which anchors the teeth to the jaw. Over time teeth may become loose and even fall out.
So why wait call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centreon 01622 682 029and book an appointment with the dentist or hygienist to ensure that this Valentine’s Day you can smile proud and keep your heart healthy!
