A good mouth and heart do not seem to go together for a lot of people. It may sound strange, but there is a strong link between gum problems and heart health. You may also hear it called periodontal disease. Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can hurt the bone and soft tissue that support your teeth.
It might start out as gums that are swollen or puffy, but if you do not treat it, it can get worse. Your gum health is important, so you should see a dentist in Pleasanton,CA.
How gum disease can affect your heart.
There are lots of germs in our mouths. When we brush and floss, these germs are removed, but if we do not clean our teeth well enough, they can stick together and form plaque. When plaque turns into tartar, it hurts and inflames the gums. This is the first sign of gum cancer.
When gum disease gets worse, the gums pull away from the teeth, making holes. These spaces turn into places where bacteria can grow. Bacteria can get into the bloodstream through gum pockets and spread all over the body. This can make the body’s tissues swell up, even in the arteries.
Heart disease is more likely to happen if your valves are inflamed. Some people get plaque buildup in their arteries because of this. It can be hard for blood to get to the heart when this plaque builds up in the arteries. In the worst cases, it can fully stop the arteries, which can cause a heart attack or stroke.
A strong link has been found between gum disease and heart disease. One study found that people with serious gum disease were three times more likely to have heart disease than people whose lips were healthy. People with gum disease were more likely to have heart problems like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, according to another study.
The link between gum disease and heart disease could have more than one cause. It is possible for the germs that cause gum disease to get into the system and cause swelling all over the body. Plaque can build up in the arteries and damage the walls of them when they turn red.
It is also possible that people with gum disease are more likely to have other things that put them at risk for heart disease, like smoking, being overweight, or having diabetes. These risk factors can make you more likely to get heart disease and gum disease.
Do not ignore your gums.
- The good news is that you can avoid getting gum disease. By taking care of your teeth and gums, you can greatly lower your chance of getting gum disease and the health problems that come with it. You can do these easy things:
- Every day, brush your teeth for two minutes each time. Fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles are good for you.
- Every day, floss your teeth. Plaque and food stuck between your teeth can be cleaned out by flossing.
- Take care of your body. Your lips and teeth will stay healthy if you eat well. Stay away from sugary drinks and foods because they can make cavities and gum disease worse.
- Do not smoke. Both heart disease and gum disease are more likely to happen if you smoke.
- Check up with your doctor every six months. Your dentist can look for signs of gum disease and treat it if they find any.
You can ask your dentist about other ways to avoid gum disease besides the ones listed above, like using a special mouthwash or getting deep cleanings.
Getting regular dental checkups is very important.
Checkups with the dentist are important for keeping your mouth healthy because they look for signs of gum disease in your teeth, gums, and cheeks.
Early care is very important to avoid major problems like losing teeth and breaking your jawbone, as well as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and giving birth before it is time. Taking care of your teeth and gums lowers your chance of getting gum disease and heart disease.