Heart Problems Caused by Gum Disease

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Researchers have studied the possible link between gum disease and heart-related conditions. After all, inadequate dental care can cause many medical problems, such as diabetes, cancer, and even heart disease. That’s why dentists and other healthcare professionals recommend practicing good hygiene to contribute to overall good health.

Table Of Contents

    Symptoms of Gum Disease

    A bacterial infection typically causes gingivitis, inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, it could develop into gum disease, also referred to as periodontal disease or periodontitis.

    An infection forms in the spaces between a person’s gums and the bottom of the teeth if plaque or food becomes trapped there. Over time, damage to soft tissue and the bones that support the teeth can occur. Eventually, the teeth fall out, or a dentist must remove them.

    The most common symptoms of gum disease include:

    • Tooth sensitivity 
    • Tender, red, or swollen gums 
    • Loose teeth 
    • Pain while chewing 
    • Bad breath even after brushing teeth 
    • Receding gums 
    • Malocclusion, misaligned teeth 
    • Pus between the gums and teeth 
    • Bleeding gums when flossing or brushing 

    Certain people are at an increased risk of gingivitis and periodontitis if any of these factors apply them: 

    • Tobacco use 
    • Pregnancy 
    • Poorly fitting dental appliances 
    • Diabetes 
    • Crooked teeth 
    • Genetics 
    • Damaged fillings 
    • Compromised immune system from diseases, such as AIDS and HIV 
    • Taking medications, such as steroids, calcium channel blockers, oral contraceptives, anticonvulsants, and chemotherapy drugs 

    If you notice any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your dentist immediately for a dental exam. They can perform X-rays and check your gums and teeth to determine if you have periodontitis. 

    The first line of defense against gum disease is good oral hygiene. However, if you were diagnosed with gingivitis or periodontal disease, some treatments can cure the infection, manage symptoms, and prevent further damage to your teeth and gums. 

     

    What Is Cardiovascular Disease?

    Cardiovascular disease refers to multiple conditions: 

    • Heart disease – This results from atherosclerosis, meaning the arteries in a person’s body have narrowed, making it harder for blood to reach the heart or blocking blood flow entirely. 
    • Heart attack – A heart attack happens when a blood clot prevents a part of the heart from receiving adequate blood flow. This causes the connecting artery to die. 
    • Stroke – Two types of stroke can occur. An ischemic stroke happens when a blood clot blocks the blood vessel leading to the brain. A hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a bursting blood vessel in the brain. 
    • Heart failure – This is also referred to as congestive heart failure. That means the body isn’t receiving the blood and oxygen it needs because the heart isn’t pumping normally. 
    • Heart valve problems – Valves open and close to allow blood to flow in and out of the heart. If the valve doesn’t open enough, the heart won’t receive a sufficient blood supply. If the valve doesn’t close completely, blood can leak out into the chamber of the heart. 
    • Arrhythmia – An arrhythmia means the heart beats irregularly, too slow, or too fast. This can prevent the heart from pumping enough blood throughout the body. 

    How Periodontal Disease Affects Cardiovascular Healthhealthy teeth heart

    Scientists believe the primary link between gum disease and heart problems is inflammation. Inflammation causes atherosclerosis, a narrowing and hardening of the arteries that block blood flow. If there’s inadequate blood flow to the heart, it increases the risk of a stroke and heart attack. 

    The gums contain many blood vessels. Since the mouth carries significant bacteria, it could penetrate damaged gums and enter the bloodstream. As it travels throughout the body, it triggers inflammation, causing additional damage to blood vessels and vital organs, including the heart. 

    Heart-Related Problems Associated with Gum Disease

    Although studies haven’t conclusively linked gum disease to cardiovascular issues, researchers have found evidence that gum inflammation could affect the heart. Inflammation of major arteries could prevent blood from flowing to the heart and lead to medical conditions, such as: 

    • Heart attack 
    • Stroke 
    • Atherosclerosis 
    • Cardiovascular disease 

    Additional complications, such as lung disease and birth defects can also occur if you develop periodontal disease. Fortunately, it’s easy to maintain your oral health, so your body doesn’t experience the adverse effects of gum inflammation and infections. 

     

    Preventative Care to Maintain Your Oral Health

    dentist appointmentYou could prevent periodontal disease and the associated complications by keeping your gums healthy. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day, once in the morning and before you go to bed. You should also floss your teeth to remove food and plaque your toothbrush might have missed. 

    You can’t take care of your gums on your own. You should visit your dentist regularly for cleanings to remove tartar and plaque you weren’t able to brush away yourself. Your dentist can also perform X-rays and a thorough examination of your mouth to discover potential issues. If you already have gingivitis, they can advise what you can do to reverse the effects. 

    Cleaning your teeth and gums requires more than just going through the motions. Be sure to use the right dental products. Toothpaste containing chloride can fight gingivitis, whiten your teeth, and keep your breath fresh. A therapeutic mouthwash can reduce plaque, remove food particles and debris, minimize the development of tartar, and prevent gingivitis. 

    If you smoke, quit now. It’s more challenging for your body to fight off a gum infection since smoking weakens the immune system. Additionally, smoking has been linked to a range of severe medical issues and diseases. 

    Treatments for Gum Disease

    If you already have gum disease, you could seek various treatments to clean around your teeth and prevent further damage to the gums, bones, and blood vessels. 

    Common gum disease treatments include: 

    • Antibiotics – An oral or topical antibiotic can fight a bacterial infection affecting your gums. 
    • Scaling – A dental professional can remove bacteria and tartar from the surface of your teeth and below the gum line using a laser, ultrasonic device, or another scaling instrument. 
    • Root planning – Root planning can prevent an additional build-up of bacteria and tartar by smoothing the surfaces of the roots in your gums. It can also reattach the gums to the surfaces of the teeth so food and other debris won’t become trapped in those spaces. 
    • Surgery – Several surgical options are available to repair damaged soft tissue, bone, and other areas of the gums. 

    Talk to your dentist about which treatment plan would work best for you.

    Contact Babylon Dental Care

    If you want to learn how to prevent gum disease from negatively affecting your heart, call Babylon Dental Care at (631) 983-6665 today. 

    Our team of dental professionals will create a preventative care strategy to maintain the appearance of your teeth and gums while protecting your overall health. 

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    “This is quite possibly the most impressive Dental office I’ve ever seen. All the staff goes above and beyond to make you feel welcome. The office is so gorgeous through out. I loved my hygienist, she was very knowledgeable and very thorough and informative about being proactive with your hygiene habits. Dr Hsu was amazing. I highly recommend him. Very professional and explains everything he’s doing and that you’re comfortable during the visit. I’m really glad I found this office and my new Dentist.”

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    “At Babylon Dental Care, “care” is given from arrival to check out. I was anxious; it had been a few years since my last filling. From the moment I walked into the exam room, Karen comforted me. She explained the process, answered my questions and talked with me to keep me calm. Dr. Wrann was excellent! I did not have any pain before, during or after the procedure. So happy! Thank you to a truly great team!”

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    “Babylon Dental Care is an amazing practice! I had an issue with my teeth and they took me immediately. Their friendly and compassionate staff walked me through each step and in a matter of a week I had that tooth extracted and my flipper ready for every day use! You can’t even tell I have it in! The office is spotless and they even have Netflix! How cool is that! You’re welcomed as soon as you walk in and they made me feel so comfortable. Dr. Golo and Dr. Knakal took such good care of me and I would recommend them to anyone! The office is so convenient and literally across the street from my home so it doesn’t get better than that! Thank you Babylon Dental!”

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    “I recently moved approximately 300 miles away, I continue to make the trip back to Babylon Dental Care. My hygienist Paige could not be kinder, friendlier or professional. I have been having issues with bone loss in my jaws and now it's time for implants. Dr. Knakal has been outstanding. I know I am in the best hands. Everyone I have dealt with at BDC from the receptionists to the checkout personnel are awesome! I will be continuing to make the trip for all my dental care.”

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    “This was my first time at this Dental office. I went in for a cleaning and dental exam. The office is Clean and modern. I felt comfortable and welcomed right from the start. My hygienist 'Melody' was great! I feel that she was very thorough, talked me through everything she was doing and made recommendations for improving my routine at home. My dental exam with Dr. Diamond was just as pleasant. I liked that she also took her time and I didn't feel rushed. All-in-all it was a good experience. The entire team at the clinic displayed a high level of professionalism and made me feel comfortable throughout my visit.”

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    “Absolutely incredible team. From the very moment you walk in you're greeted with kindness and people who want to help you. When I was asked how everything was I literally told them I was speechless. Having had terrible experiences as a kid with dentistry I wasn't sure if the nice things I've heard and read would live up to my expectation. I'm so glad they met them, and even went above and beyond what I had imagined. They offered me several options (a comfort menu) for things I could ask for to help make the time go by easier and with less anxiety.. all for free! If you have been holding off due to how long it's been and how anxious you might be then take this as your sign to look into coming here. I really truly am so glad I overcame my fear and made my appointment, they are just *that* good”

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