From Gums to Heart: Understanding the Strong Connection Between Gum Disease and Cardiovascular Health

How can gum disease impact your heart when your gums and heart are just about a foot apart and have distinct functions?

Researchers have looked into this subject for years and unearthed some disturbing evidence that ties the two body components.

Gums and Heart — A Strong Connection

Researchers have attempted to establish a link between gum disease and heart disease for many years.

Studies later indicated that periodontitis (gum disease) raises your risk for cardiovascular disease by 20%–180%. Initial research suggested that those who treat gum disease early and resolve it before it worsens spend up to 40% less on cardiovascular care.

This startling number should motivate you to wash your teeth more frequently and improve your oral hygiene.

Now that you know gum disease and heart disease are related, let’s investigate why.

The Effects of Gum Disease on Your Heart

Bacteria that enter gum tissue cause gum disease by causing infections that can spread to the heart.

These bacteria can induce heart valve infection, particularly if an artificial heart valve is present.

Blood artery inflammation, a risk factor for strokes and heart attacks, can also be brought on by gum disease.

Gum illness can cause inflammation or exacerbate an already present condition, and some investigations have shown oral bacteria in the blood vessels of persons with atherosclerosis or artery plaque formation.

Gum Disease Treatment

A thorough professional cleaning can remove plaque and bacteria in mild to severe gum disease cases.

Bacteria can be eliminated using approaches like scaling and planning. Advanced laser therapy is needed for periodontal surgery in advanced cases, which leads to a quicker recovery and reduced discomfort.

Gum and heart disease can be avoided by following a good dental hygiene regimen and scheduling cleaning sessions twice a year.

Additionally, studies have discovered oral bacteria that cause plaque accumulation in arteries in the blood vessels of atherosclerosis persons.

Reduce the Risk of Periodontitis

Prevent gum disease with regular dental exams, good hygiene, and check-ups.

It’s crucial to take the following actions if you already have gum disease:

• Quit smoking
• Floss daily
• Brush twice daily
• Use mouthwash
• Schedule regular dental cleanings to prevent gum disease and gum infections.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial due to the link between poor oral health and coronary heart disease. Spending extra at least 2 minutes daily with a toothbrush can help prevent heart attacks.

Oral Health in Applecross

Protect your smile, maintain good oral hygiene, and keep your heart healthy.

Epsom Dental Care Applecross is committed to staying on top of the current diagnostic tools and treatments.

Our goal is to give our patients with healthy smiles they can be proud of. We want to achieve that goal as efficiently as possible for our patients.

Visit your Applecross dentist today!

Call us at (08) 9316 0555 or book your appointment online.

Visit us at 729 Canning Hwy in Applecross.