Is there any part of the human body that’s not related to another? Medical professionals are answering ‘no’ to that question more and more each day. This is because of new research demonstrating the connectedness of our different parts. Thus, the health or disease in one area can cause either wellness or problems in another. The same applies to your oral health. If you neglect it and acquire gum disease in Oakton, there is evidence that there could be residual damage to your heart. Learn more about the connection between the two as you continue reading.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a condition that results from the accumulation of over 300 types of bacteria that have come together to form plaque. The newly formed substance has been allowed to grow and infect your teeth and gums.
Here are the stages to the disease:
- Gingivitis – If you notice that you have bleeding, irritated and swollen gums, it could be a warning sign of gingivitis, which is the only stage of gum disease that is reversible.
- Moderate Gum Disease – At this point, you’ve sustained permanent damage to the fibers and bone that hold the roots of your teeth in place.
- Advanced Gum Disease – In this final stage of the condition, the infection is running rampant and there may complete destruction of the roots of your teeth, leaving them free to fall out.
How Can Gum Disease Affect Your Heart?
Whenever there is infection in any part of the body, it causes inflammation, which can trigger other adverse effects. In the case of gum disease, the infected blood flows down to your heart and causes arterial plaque to form.
This can create a very dangerous situation for your cardiovascular health because your arteries transport oxygen away from your heart. Thus, the plaque that inhibits the natural flow, can lead to blockage, which is never a good thing with any aspect of your health. The result can be heart attack or stroke.
Therefore, the wellness of you gums has far greater implications than maybe you ever imagined.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
The ways to prevent gum disease are simple but effective, and are as follows:
- Practicing Excellent Oral Hygiene – Your oral hygiene serves as a proactive means to attack the disease before it can even develop, by tackling bacteria. When you brush and floss your teeth, you are removing these troublesome critters before they can be converted into more harmful plaque and really begin to cause damage.
- Maintaining Regular Dentist Visits – Just as important as practicing excellent oral hygiene, is visiting your dentist on a regular basis. These appointments will afford you two main benefits: a clean oral cavity and a thorough examination. Both of these are vital to your health because they remove the stubborn plaque and tartar that you can’t address at home. They also allow the expert eyes and hands of your dentist to monitor your oral wellness.
So are you ready to take the steps necessary to protect your gums and overall health? If so, then reach out to your dentist in Oakton today to schedule an appointment!
About the Author
Dr. Joseph Khalil earned his DDS degree from the Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry. He then went on to complete his prosthodontic residency at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. A highly-skilled and passionate prosthodontist, Dr. Khalil practices at Oakton Dentistry by Design and can be reached for more information through his website.