People may not think of the heart when brushing their teeth, but it is actually one of the most important things to protect! Dental hygiene is not just about keeping teeth clean – it can also help keep the heart healthy. The American Dental Association recommends that everyone brush their teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and see a dentist at least once a year. By following these simple guidelines, we can help protect our hearts and keep our smiles looking great!

Dental Hygiene and Your Heart

Did you know that your dental health can have an impact on your heart health? It’s true! Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, which is an infection of the gums. Gum disease has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health conditions.

Why would cardiovascular disease and poor oral health be connected?

A number of theories have been proposed, including:

• The bacteria that infect the gums and cause gingivitis and periodontitis also travel to blood vessels elsewhere in the body where they cause blood vessel inflammation and damage; tiny blood clots, heart attack and stroke may follow. Supporting this idea is the finding of remnants of oral bacteria within atherosclerotic blood vessels far from the mouth. Then again, antibiotic treatment has not proven effective at reducing cardiovascular risk.
• Rather than bacteria causing the problem, it’s the body’s immune response – inflammation – that sets off a cascade of vascular damage throughout the body, including the heart and brain.
• There may be no direct connection between gum disease and cardiovascular disease; the reason they may occur together is that there is a 3rd factor (such as smoking) that’s a risk factor for both conditions. Other potential “confounders” include poor access to healthcare and lack of exercise – perhaps people without health insurance or who don’t take good care of their overall health are more likely to have poor oral health and heart disease.

Understanding Gum Disease

The mouth is full of bacteria, some of which are good, and some of which are bad. These bacteria form a sticky film called plaque on teeth. Plaque is constantly forming on teeth, and if it is not removed, it can lead to gum disease.

There are three main types of gum disease: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and is usually reversible. This is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Plaque is the main cause of gingivitis, but it can also be caused by other factors such as hormonal changes, certain medications, diabetes, and poor nutrition.

Periodontitis

If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis. Periodontitis is a more serious form of gum disease that can destroy the bone and connective tissue that support the teeth. Plaque is the main cause of periodontitis. However, it can also be due to other factors such as smoking, certain medications, diabetes, and poor nutrition. We may treat periodontitis with professional cleaning or antibiotics. If a person does not treat periodontitis, it can progress to advanced periodontitis.

Advanced periodontitis

Advanced periodontitis is the most severe form of gum disease and can destroy the bone and connective tissue that support the teeth. Plaque is the main cause of advanced periodontitis. However, it can also be due to other factors such as smoking, certain medications, diabetes, and poor nutrition. We may treat advanced periodontitis with a professional cleaning, antibiotics, or surgery.

How to Prevent Gum Disease

The American Academy of Periodontology suggests the following tips to prevent gum disease:

• Brush your teeth. Brushing after meals helps remove food debris and plaque trapped between your teeth and gums. Don’t forget to include your tongue; bacteria loves to hide there.
• Floss. Flossing at least once a day helps remove food particles and plaque between teeth and along the gum line where your toothbrush can’t quite reach.
• Swish with mouthwash. Using a mouthwash can help reduce plaque and may remove remaining food particles that brushing and flossing missed.
• Know your risk. Age, smoking, diet, and genetics can all increase your risk for periodontal disease. If you are at increased risk, be sure to talk with your dental professional.
• Visit your dentist. Regular dental visits are important in the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease. Be sure to tell your dentist about any changes in your mouth, such as bleeding gums or persistent bad breath.

Gum Disease Treatment

The treatment for gum disease depends on the severity of the disease. Gingivitis can usually be treated with a professional cleaning and good oral hygiene at home. Periodontitis and advanced periodontitis require more intensive treatment, including professional cleanings, antibiotics, and sometimes surgery. If you think you may have gum disease, it is important to see a dental professional as soon as possible.

Make an Appointment with Premier Dentistry of Eagle

At Premier Dentistry of Eagle, we are dedicated to providing our patients with the best possible dental care. We offer a wide range of services, including gum disease treatment. Contact us today to make an appointment.