Gum Disease and Your Heart !

Can Gum Disease affect your Heart??

Did you know that over 75 percent of Americans over the age of 35 have some form of gum disease?

Gum Disease and Gingivitis — What are They?Gum disease — also known as periodontal disease — is a form of inflammation and infection that occurs in the mouth.

Gingivitis - an early phase of gum disease and the easiest to treat — is an inflammation of the gums caused by the accumulation of plaque, a soft, sticky, colorless film of bacteria above the gum line.

Plaque provides a shelter for over 400 species of bacteria and other microorganisms to grow and proliferate. If not routinely removed by proper brushing and flossing, plaque can build up on teeth and gums and lead to gingivitis. Fortunately, gingivitis can be treated, which can help prevent it from developing into periodontitis, a more serious and damaging stage of gum disease.
Recent research indicates that gum disease and or periodontitis is associated with the development of heart (cardiovascular) disease. There are several theories as to how periodontitis may have an impact on heart health. One theory is that bacteria may enter the bloodstream through the mouth and have the potential to attach to fatty deposits in the blood vessels, which may contribute to heart disease. Another theory is that the inflammation associated with periodontitis may play a role. A recent study examined the presence of bacteria known to cause severe chronic gum disease and the thickening of the blood vessel wall commonly seen in heart disease. After examining over 650 subjects, the investigators concluded that there was an association between an increased level of blood vessel thickening and the presence of the bacteria found in dental plaque known to cause periodontitis.

Other recent studies have demonstrated there is an association between periodontitis and certain systemic diseases, such as stroke, diabetes, and heart disease, which remains a leading cause of death in both men and women. More research is needed and is underway to better understand the exact nature of this association and the potential impact serious gum disease may be having on these systemic conditions.

How Do I Know if I Have Gingivitis? Classic signs of gingivitis include red, swollen and tender gums that may bleed when you brush. Since some symptoms of gingivitis are not painful, the disease may remain untreated for many years.

Signs of periodontitis, a more advanced stage of chronic gum disease, include the presence of gum ulceration, gums that have receded or pulled away from your teeth, permanent teeth that are loose or separating, any change in the fit of your teeth when biting and recurring bad breath and/or an unpleasant taste in your mouth.

How Can I Help Prevent Gingivitis? The key to preventing gingivitis is to remove the plaque and bacteria that accumulate on your teeth. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are extremely important. Good at-home oral hygiene is also crucial.

You can help stop gingivitis before it develops by:

· Brushing and flossing to remove plaque and
· Eating right to ensure proper nutrition for your jawbone and teeth
· Avoiding cigarettes and other forms of tobacco
· Scheduling regular checkups with your dentist

So…..Brushing your teeth may be more important than you think.

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