Gum Disease, Heart Disease

We’ve said this before: we’re not trying to scare you; we’re trying to inform you about the best ways to manage your oral health and therefore help your overall health. Sometimes the truth is a little frightening- many common behaviors and issues have greater consequences than we realize. One of these less-than-pleasant truths lies in the relationship between gum disease and heart disease.

People with moderate or advanced gum disease have an increased risk for heart disease. That gum disease directly causes heart disease is yet to be proven absolutely (due to ethical considerations) but the two problems share many common causes and symptoms. This is a scenario where your oral health can be an indicator of other problems and the correction of your dental issues can help with the other problems as well.

Gum disease and heart disease share some of their greatest risk factors. Diabetes leads to both of them as well as tobacco use and poor nutrition. People with gum disease are among the highest-risk for heart attacks. As gum disease develops, where your teeth meet your gums, evidence is leading toward a conclusion that bacteria actually enter your bloodstream and cause blood clots. It also appears that inflammation from gum disease can cause these clots as well. Even though this relationship is currently inconclusive, heart specialists, dentists, and periodontists (gum specialists) have begun to treat it as real.

Do you have a history of heart problems? You should tell your dentist. He or she will use that information to more carefully assess any oral problems you’re having. Maybe yours is one of the growing number of dentists who now take your blood pressure at the beginning of your appointment. They’re attempting to assess the impact of your dental condition on your overall health. If you have a history of heart problems you may want to approach any dental problems with more urgency.

Has it been a while since you’ve been to the dentist? If it’s been more than six months you should go soon. If you’re suffering from any of the following symptoms make it a priority: red and swollen gums, bleeding gums, gaps (even tiny ones) between your teeth and gums, or loose teeth. These are all signs that you’re moving toward more serious gum disease. They are also symptoms of risk factors for heart disease. Do you need help finding the best dentist in your area? Look here: https://www.dentaloptimizer.com/best-dentist-finder/#!/