Heart disease is a major health issue in the United States; undoubtedly, you know someone who has heart disease or has experienced a heart attack. As the leading cause of death in America, finding effective prevention is crucial. Today, more and more health professionals are realizing the direct links between oral health and heart health. Studies have shown that patients with periodontitis, or advanced gum disease, are twice as likely to develop heart disease. Early and frequent treatment for superior gum health is an important way to prevent heart disease. Dr. Helen Ragsdale, your Austin laser dentist, can treat periodontitis and other stages of gum disease effectively and comfortably through dental laser technology. Contact our Austin practice to learn more about our approach to less-invasive periodontal treatment.
A Heart Connection
Oral health has a deep connection to your overall health and wellbeing. The connection lies in tiny bacteria that are found in the mouth. This bacteria lives and grows within plaque, the sticky deposits found on teeth and gums after eating and drinking. If plaque isn’t removed through diligent brushing and flossing, it can harden into a substance called tartar which can only be removed by dental professionals during dental cleanings. The reason frequent cleanings are important is because by failing to remove tartar every six months, it can actually cause gum tissue to pull away from teeth at the gum line. The loosened gum tissue forms hidden pockets that are able to harbor more bacteria and plaque, continuing the vicious cycle of gum damage and being absorbed by the blood stream through soft gum tissue. Once absorbed, the bacteria are carried throughout the body.
Recent evidence found oral bacteria deposits attached to plaque in the arteries of the heart. Scientists currently believe that these oral bacteria “stick” to existing plaque in the arteries when being carried with the blood. The newly-trapped bacteria than causes further inflammation as the heart attempts to fight off the bacterial invasion. The inflammation of the arteries can disrupt proper blood flow and contribute to heart disease or even heart attack episodes.
Patients with other risk factors for heart disease (which include high blood pressure, high stress levels, or low levels of physical activity, diabetes, or poor diet) should be especially diligent about preventing periodontitis through regular dental cleanings and at-home hygiene.
Warning Signs of Gum Disease and Periodontitis
Gum disease (or periodontal disease) occurs in stages. The first stage, gingivitis, often presents more mild symptoms such as
- Sore or irritated gums
- Red gums (rather than pink)
- Swollen or inflamed gum tissue
If not treated through diligent cleanings at home and a trip to your dentist for a dental cleaning, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, presenting more serious symptoms such as:
- Bleeding gums after flossing and brushing
- Gums that “pulling away” from the teeth
- a persistent bad taste in the mouth
- a loose tooth or teeth
If you have any of these symptoms, don’t wait: schedule an appointment with Austin’s laser dentist, Dr. Ragsdale. And remember to take steps each day for a healthy mouth and heart by never skipping brushing or flossing.
Healthier Gums in Austin, TX
Oral health is about more than clean, strong teeth. Your gums play a vital role in the health of your mouth and body. If it’s been more than six months since your last dental cleaning, schedule an appointment today to prevent periodontitis ; your gums and heart will thank you. Call our Austin, TX, practice today!
