Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body. When you go in for a routine dental visit, you’re not just simply getting a teeth cleaning. What goes on in your mouth can have a large impact on what happens to you systemically. Many studies have shown links between diseases in your mouth and other inflammatory conditions. One of the most dangerous of these links is that between gum and heart disease. Read on to learn more from your Orange Park dentist.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, occurs when plaque and bacteria build up underneath the gumline, causing inflammation. When your gums become inflamed, your body releases immune cells to help fight the infection. If left untreated, this can lead to the breakdown of your teeth, gums, and bone over time. Unchecked gum disease can result in the loss of teeth. Additionally, the bacteria causing the inflammation can enter the bloodstream, potentially exacerbating inflammation in other areas of the body.
Linking Gum & Heart Disease
While one does not necessarily cause the other, there is ample evidence that gum and heart disease are linked. Experts think that this may be due to the narrowing of certain arteries caused by bacteria from periodontal disease. The swelling and inflammation caused by gum disease tax the body’s resources, leaving it less capable to fight adverse conditions in the rest of the body. In the long term, this can be detrimental.
A 2010 study found that gum disease increases your risk of heart disease by nearly 20 percent. A Harvard study found that people with untreated gum disease are two to three times more likely to have a stroke or heart attack. Gum disease doesn’t only affect your heart. Other studies have linked it to conditions like osteoporosis, respiratory conditions, and even cancer.
It’s important to prevent gum disease and give your body a fighting chance. Make sure to brush and floss at least twice a day in addition to seeing your dentist at least twice a year. If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, it is important to make sure that you go in for your maintenance appointments and practice excellent home care. By taking good care of your oral health and avoiding gum disease, you’re helping your whole self.
About the Author
Dr. Steven Crovatto takes pride in educating his patients and giving them smiles that will last for a lifetime. He believes that preventative dentistry and exceptional home hygiene habits are the keys to oral health that will last for years to come. Dr. Crovatto is a graduate of the University of Florida College of Dentistry and considers himself a lifelong learner. He is the past president of the Clay County Dental Society and dedicates himself to staying on the cutting edge of the dental field. To find out more about the links between your mouth and the rest of your body, you can call the team at Crovatto & Edwards Family Dentistry at (904) 606-1788 or send them an email.