Gum Disease and Heart Health Did you know that the heart and the mouth are closely linked? According to several pieces of research, the germs in your mouth can travel to your heart and cause cardiovascular complications like inflammation of the heart's vessels.How is Gum and Heart Health Closely Linked?Several pieces of research from renowned organizations point towards a link between gum disease and heart health. Scientific studies have found an increased risk of individuals with poor gum health being more susceptible to heart attacks, strokes, and other life-threatening vascular events. Furthermore, individuals with gum disease and high cholesterol levels have an even greater risk of developing these conditions since scientists have discovered bacteria from gingivitis and periodontitis on the cholesterol deposits of individuals with blocked arteries. If left untreated, these deposits can cause deadly strokes and heart attacks. However, instead of blaming the bacteria, the experts blame the inflammation caused due to the bacteria, which leads to vascular damage throughout an individual's body. Preventing and Managing Gum DiseaseIndividuals with a history of, or are currently suffering from gum disease, may be alarmed to learn about the link between heart health and gum disease. However, there is no need to be alarmed since managing and preventing gum disease is quite simple. You can easily prevent and manage gum disease by following a few basic steps. Brushing and FlossingBrushing and flossing are the two critical steps to incorporate into your daily oral hygiene routine to prevent and manage gum disease. Gum disease develops due to a build-up of bacteria-filled plaque. The best way to prevent this plaque build-up is to brush at least twice a day and floss at least once per day to target areas your brush may be unable to reach. Moreover, individuals receiving treatment for gum disease can also manage their condition through flossing and brushing and keep it from worsening. Listening to Your DentistAccording to Dr. Gary S. Cooke, some patients disregard their dentist's advice, which might be detrimental to their oral health. If your dentist has placed you on a treatment plan and requested you to revisit them after a certain period, you must do so. Some patients skip follow-up appointments once their concerns have been resolved. This may result in their disease reappearing after a few months. Hence, always follow your dentist's instructions and attend follow-up appointments. Regular Dental Health CheckupsRegular dental health checkups, preferably every six months, can help keep your oral health in check. Dentists carry out thorough dental examinations in standard dental health checkup appointments. This allows them to spot any complications and offer a treatment plan to prevent them from worsening. Since gum disease can do much more damage than only affecting your teeth, you must always take the necessary preventative measures and steps to keep it from developing. If you suspect you have periodontal disease, feel free to book an appointment with our experts at Gresham Dental Excellence by calling us at (971) 431-7292. |
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