When thinking about keeping your heart healthy, you probably don’t think about taking care of your gums. However, a growing body of research suggests that we should! Numerous recent studies are discovering an important connection between the health of your gums and heart disease. Since well over half of the American population suffers from gum disease, it’s essential that we learn more about its influence on our heart health. Here’s everything your Conway dentist wants you to know about keeping your smile and your heart healthy.
What is Gum Disease?
At first, gum disease can be easy to accidentally overlook. This bacterial infection in your gum tissue initially only causes swollen, bright red, and easily bleeding gums. Thankfully, this early stage of gum disease known as gingivitis can be reversed. However, the infection can become more uncomfortable and destructive if left untreated. This leads to periodontal disease, which means the bacteria has begun to attack your jawbone and destroy the connective tissues that hold your teeth in place.
How Can Unhealthy Gums Influence Heart Health?
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the US, but its effects don’t stop at your smile. Researchers have discovered that those with gum disease are much more likely to develop heart disease, raising their risk by up to 20%. While more research is needed, experts believe this is due to two main factors:
- Harmful bacteria: If the dangerous bacteria at the root of gum disease were to enter your blood stream, it could possibly travel to other parts of your body. These bacteria could infect the inner linings of the heart’s chambers and valves.
- Widespread inflammation: Your body’s natural response to infection is inflammation. Theoretically, a prolonged immune response could spread this inflammation throughout your body and clog arteries.
How to Protect Your Oral and Overall Health
While it’s still unclear if treating gum disease lowers your risk of heart disease, the connection between the gums and heart is officially recognized by both the American Heart Association and the American Dental Association. To keep your smile and potentially your heart healthy, they recommend:
- Brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day.
- Routinely using mouthwash and flossing your teeth.
- Limiting your sugar intake and eating healthier meals.
- Getting dental checkups twice a year.
- Treating gum disease as early as possible with periodontal therapy.
Although gum disease is incredibly common, it’s not inevitable. When you take care of your smile and practice great oral hygiene, your whole body will thank you!
About the Author
Dr. Tommy Murph has been helping the smiles of Conway, SC stay happy and healthy for over 25 years now. His patients’ oral health and general wellbeing are his number one priority, which is why he encourages getting dental checkups twice a year. Regular cleanings and checkups are an excellent way to spot and stop any developing issues before they cause any unnecessary damage or discomfort. If gum disease is discovered, he also offers efficient and effective periodontal therapy to get your oral health back on track. If you’re concerned about the health of your gums, feel free to contact him via his website or at (843) 488-4357.