Gum Disease And Its Connection To Heart Disease

Many people underestimate the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. The finding of the association between gum disease and heart disease is one of the most significant in medical history.

It has been demonstrated that failing to care for your teeth and gums and allowing gum infections to worsen can have a negative impact on your heart. This article talks about the connection between gum disease and heart disease and how to avoid both with the help of Beaumont Dentist TX.

Understanding Gum Disease

When the tissues around and supporting the teeth get infected, this is called gum disease or periodontal disease. A film of germs called plaque builds up and is the main cause of it. When you don’t remove plaque, it turns into tartar. Tartar can hurt your gums and lead to major problems with your gum health.

The first step is gingivitis. It shows up as red, swollen gums that might bleed when you brush them. That’s what it’s called when your gums pull away from your teeth, making spaces where bacteria can live. It might hurt your gums and make you lose teeth.

Understanding Heart Disease

Heart disease includes a lot of different illnesses that affect the heart and blood vessels. Some examples are coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Lots of people with these conditions also have atherosclerosis, a disease in which fat builds up in the vessels and makes it hard for blood to flow.

What Gum Disease Has to Do With Heart Disease

This is what Beaumont Dentist TX says about the links between gum disease and heart disease:

• Spread of Bacteria
  If your lips are infected, germs can get into your blood and spread to other parts of your body. If these germs enter the heart and irritate or enlarge the blood arteries, the person is more prone to develop atherosclerosis.
• Cause of Inflammation
  Swelling causes damage to the gums as well as the heart. Long-term gum inflammation causes inflammation of the body’s organs. Some heart problems, like valves getting hard, can happen because of it.
• Chance of Endocarditis
  Sometimes, germs from gum problems can get into the heart and make it sick. It is a sickness that can be very bad and even kill you.
• Health Risk Factors
  Both gum disease and heart disease are more likely to happen if you smoke, eat poorly, have diabetes, or are stressed out. This connection shows how important it is to look at these problems as a whole.

Signs of Gum Disease and Related Heart Disease You Should Look Out For:

• Swollen gums that bleed
• Constantly having bad breath
• Loss of teeth or sagging lips
• Having pain when chewing
• Pain or soreness in the chest
• Being unable to breathe
• Feeling tired or dizzy
• Swollen legs or feet

A Unified Approach to Prevention

To keep your mouth and heart healthy, you need to take the initiative and pay attention.

• You should brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time.
• Clean your mouth with antibiotic mouthwash to get rid of plaque and germs.
• Floss every day to get rid of bacteria and food stuck between your teeth.
• Go to the Beaumont Dentist TX at least twice a year to get your teeth cleaned and checked out.

This is what Beaumont Dentist TX says you can do to improve your heart health:

• If you want to keep your gums and lungs healthy, don’t smoke.
• Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy grains, and lean proteins.
• Most days of the week, work out for 30 minutes at a moderate level.
• Chronic stress may cause heart disease and gum disease.

Choices for Treatment

If gum disease is detected early, it can be treated by experts like Beaumont Dentist TX.

• To treat gingivitis, have your teeth cleaned by a professional and maintain good dental hygiene.
• Periodontitis can be treated with scaling, root cutting, or, in the worst cases, surgery.

Scientific Evidence Supporting the Link

Many studies have connected good oral health to good heart health:

• Periodontitis increases heart disease risk by two to three times, according to a 2012 American Heart Association research.
• A study published in the British Medical Journal in 2020 found a strong link between losing teeth because of gum disease and a higher risk of having a stroke.
• A report from the European Society of Cardiology in 2021 declared mouth health an important part of lowering heart disease risks.

Why Knowing About Oral Health is Important

Although the link between heart disease and oral health is not entirely understood, it is becoming more apparent. Many people neglect their dental health because they assume it’s distinct from their overall health.

A healthy mouth is important for a healthy body. Understanding and managing this relationship can reduce the risk of significant health issues and extend life.

Conclusion

The strong connection between gum disease and heart disease is a strong warning of how important it is to take care of your whole body. Maintaining your teeth is good for your heart and overall health, not just your smile.

Going to the Beaumont Dentist TX regularly, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and obtaining help early can prevent gum disease. It may prevent heart disease. Remember that good oral health benefits the heart. Oral health can save your life.