Most people don’t realize that an unhealthy mouth is likely indicative of other health problems in the body. According to your dentist in Hamden as well as medical professionals around the country, periodontal disease can have a major effect on your heart health. Because of this link, it’s more important than ever to schedule regular dental visits.
During these visits, your dentist can catch early signs of gum disease and help you reverse them, but only if you take the time to visit. Keep reading to learn how gum disease affects your heart health and how you can fight back.
How Many People Have Periodontal Disease?
According to reports as recent as 2010, 200 million Americans have some form of periodontal disease. Research has also shown that people with periodontal disease are twice as likely to have heart disease. When you consider that 85 million Americans have some form of cardiovascular disease, it’s no coincidence.
Based in recent reports, 800,000 Americans die from cardiovascular disease every year. Every 40 seconds, a U.S. adult has a stroke. It’s an epidemic that medical professionals are determined to solve and studying its link to periodontal disease is proving to be very helpful.
What is the Link Between Heart Health and Gum Disease?
Scientists believe the link is based on the bacteria that occurs in both diseases. Bacteria that’s commonly found in infected gum tissue can travel to other parts of the body through the bloodstream. This occurs when the barrier between the gums and underlying connective tissue deteriorates, creating an opening for harmful bacteria.
Once this bacteria travels throughout the body, it causes inflammation, which causes the formation of arterial plaque. If these deposits of plaque begin to narrow arteries or break loose and clog them, it can trigger a heart attack or stroke.
How Dental Visits Could Save Your Life
Because of this risk, your dentist in Hamden is specifically trained to catch early signs of gum disease during your regular dental visit. The next time you brush and floss, look out for blood in your sink after rinsing your mouth. If you notice blood, you should plan to visit your dentist soon.
Once you arrive at the office, your dentist will exam your mouth and perform scaling, root planing, and even periodontal surgery if needed. Scaling and root planing are in-depth cleaning techniques intended to remove accumulations of plaque below the gum line and target tooth surfaces and roots. This will prevent infection and leave you with a healthy mouth.
Don’t get caught with gum disease before it’s too late. Schedule an appointment with your dentist in Hamden to confirm your at-home oral care is sufficiently preventing gum disease!
About the Author
Dr. Robert M. Pantera graduated from Fairfield University and the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine to earn his dental degree. He then attended a General Practice Residency program at the University of Maryland in Baltimore. To learn more about his periodontal treatments and schedule an appointment at his practice, contact him at (203) 288-0951 or visit his website.
