February is American Heart Month, which means dentists and doctors are encouraging patients to take proper care of their oral health. As the gateway to the body, infections that form within the teeth or soft tissues can quickly spread to various organs. One of the great concerns is the heart. If you are worried that your oral hygiene habits may be affecting your cardiovascular health, keep reading to learn how gum disease treatment can help.
How Are Your Gums Connected to Your Heart?
You may struggle to make sense of how your gums are closely linked to your heart health, so here is a simple explanation:
When an infection forms in your gums and spreads to the bone, it is only a matter of time before it enters your body via your bloodstream. The inflammation that is caused by periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease, can contribute to the narrowing of the arteries, which can lead to a stroke, heart attack, or other similar events.
What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease & Heart Disease?
When suffering from gum disease, the progression of symptoms will worsen and include:
- Swollen, red gums
- Bleeding gums
- Gum recession
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Changes in your bite
- Difficulty chewing
Allowing these symptoms to remain unchecked and untreated can eventually lead to issues related to your heart, which can manifest in the following ways:
- Shortness of breath
- Fluid build-up or edema
- Impaired thinking
- Chronic fatigue
- Dizziness
- Chest pain or angina (lack of oxygen to the heart)
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heart attack
How Can Gum Disease Treatment Help?
When you visit your dentist to discuss your concerns about your overall health, they will examine your mouth and determine whether existing gum disease is the underlying issue. If these tissues appear red, swollen, or begin to bleed, you can expect the dentist to recommend appropriate treatment to eradicate unhealthy bacteria.
Using scaling and root planing or laser periodontal treatment, your dentist will target pockets of plaque and bacteria, effectively removing them and making it harder for them to reform in the future. Generally, gum disease treatment, if addressed in more advanced stages, is a long-term solution that requires proper maintenance. You can expect to see your dentist more frequently for checkups and cleanings to ensure bacteria are not accumulating again.
Give your mouth and heart the attention they deserve. By taking proper care of your teeth and gums, you will reduce your risk of cardiovascular distress and enjoy life with a healthier, happier smile.
About the Author
Dr. Ben Omrani cares about helping people; that’s why he chose dentistry as his calling. For more than 20 years, he has crafted smiles of all types and built lasting relationships with his patients. Offering comprehensive care in his San Juan Capistrano office, he understands how oral issues can negatively affect the body, especially the heart. If you are concerned about your gum health, visit our website or call (949) 661-2052 to schedule an appointment.