Gum health and your Heart

As dental professionals we are well aware that your oral health can often be a window to your overall health. Health professionals have known for quite some time that there is a link between gum disease and heart disease. We also know that those who suffer from diabetes are often at a higher risk of having or managing their gum health.

So what’s the link?

The main correlation between  and heart disease is Inflammation.

The two types of gum disease are Gingivitis and Periodontitis which are conditions in which the gums are inflamed. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease as the gums react to a build-up plaque and calculus. Periodontal disease is a more advance stage of gum disease whereby chronic inflammation of the gums can lead to serious damage/ destruction to the teeth, gums and bone.

Your gums are a highly vascular (full of blood vessels) tissue particularly if they are inflamed. With gum disease you are at an increased risk of bacteria entering the bloodstream and traveling anywhere throughout the body. This bacteria is then able to induce inflammation anywhere throughout the bloodstream including your heart.

The bacteria Streptococcus sanguis which is found in periodontal disease can spread to the heart and play a significant role in stroke. Those who have healthy gums are found to have less Streptococcus sanguis present in the heart.

Heart facts                                                                                                                     

• Coronary artery disease is the most prevalent type of heart disease
• Studies show that people who suffer from gum disease are more likely to develop coronary artery disease.
• Additional studies show that people who suffer from tooth loss related to periodontal disease are more likely to suffer a stroke than patients with healthy gums.
• Those who suffer from gum disease are more likely to develop clogged arteries in the legs.

How to prevent gum disease

Brush twice a day for 2 minutes.

Flossing is essential. Flossing reaches the spots that your toothbrush cannot. (if you gums bleed while flossing it means that there is inflammation present. Flossing regularly will reduce inflammation)

Visit your dental professional routinely. A professional clean twice a year will help keep those gums healthy.

If you have any questions relating to your gum or overall oral health please contact us here at dentalspa where our team will address any concerns.

By Ashleigh Lilly