Burnaby Dentists explain the link between your health and gum disease.
The health of our mouth can be a window to our overall health. Many symptoms that surface in our mouth can be an indication of more serious diseases or health issues occurring in our body. In particular, recent research has identified a link between gum disease and heart disease. While this correlation might be something of concern, the Burnaby Dentists from North Burnaby Dental Group provide information about the relationship and how you can prevent gum disease to help with having a healthy heart.
Researchers have discovered that if you have periodontal disease, you may have an increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and infective endocarditis. Periodontal disease is an infection of the teeth, gums and bone that surrounds your teeth. It is caused by the bacteria that proliferate in a sticky deposit known as plaque that forms on the teeth. This bacteria if left on our teeth hardens, forming tartar which can infect the tooth roots and cause pockets of infection deforming the gums. This results in red, swollen, tender gums which bleed when you brush or floss your teeth.
In the early stages of periodontal disease, bleeding gums can create an open doorway that allows harmful bacteria to enter into your bloodstream. More advanced periodontal disease can be even worse. It is similar to having an open wound area around your teeth offering significant opportunity for harmful bacteria to add to your blood.
Research indicates that the bacteria associated with periodontal disease may cause inflammation in the arteries and this could lead to the buildup of fatty deposits and the formation of blood clots. They have the potential to block your arteries and even can cause a heart attack. These deposits may also build up in the carotid arteries within your neck. In serious cases, if these fat deposits wash out and they find their way in your bloodstream, they can accumulate in your brain, block a blood vessel and result in a stroke.
Furthermore, some studies have disclosed that when plaque bacteria enter into the bloodstream through the infected gums, you can develop a heart condition clinically known as infective endocarditis. This is a potentially fatal bacterial infection that inflates the sack around the heart, the valves at the heart, and the heart muscle itself.
While this information may sound daunting, there are activities that can be done to help prevent periodontal disease. The most important prevention tip is to follow a good oral hygiene routine. It’s very important how you maintain your oral hygiene by brushing, flossing or using waterpik and antibacterial mouth rinses. Your hygiene practice has a great influence on your oral health. Included in your healthy routine is visiting your Burnaby Dentist at least twice a year for a check up and cleaning. People with gum disease should see their dentist more often. Certainly, if you see any bleeding while you are cleaning or flossing your teeth, you should inform your dentist.
As you can see it’s essential to your overall health as well as your oral health to ensure healthy teeth and gums. If your Burnaby Dentist determines that you have periodontal disease, you will need frequent professional cleanings and a treatment plan. Your dentist is an expert of oral health and can help you to create a suitable oral hygiene routine to prevent periodontal disease and relevant cardiovascular issues.
If you’re worried about gum disease and any other oral issues and how it may impact your over all health, please contact us to arrange a time to speak with one of the Dentists at North Burnaby Dental Group.
