Risks of High Blood Pressure
According to the American Heart Association, research shows that adults with severe gum disease are at an increased risk for high blood pressure and the health complications that come with it.
High blood pressure is a serious health condition that should be monitored regularly and should not be left untreated. When you experience high blood pressure, your arteries undergo significant damage and become less elastic, decreasing the blood flow to your heart. Ultimately this can lead to heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and even kidney disease.
But how does what occurs in your mouth connect to your heart? We are here to explain.
Interconnected Systems of the Body
The human body functions like a well-oiled machine. Your body is comprised of 10 main systems that work together to maintain good health, stability, protection, balance, and regular daily function. Even systems that may not seem likely to work together ultimately do in order to serve a common purpose.
While your mouth is technically part of the digestive system and your heart is a large component of your circulatory system, they are still interconnected. For this reason, Lynn Dental Care takes a holistic approach to dentistry and believes in a mouth-body connection.
Gum Disease
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that nearly 47% of adults over 30 experience some form of periodontal disease. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is progressive and occurs in stages. In its early stage, gum disease is referred to as gingivitis and is reversible. If your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth, this may indicate an infection in your gums. However, gum disease can advance and become more severe if left untreated, resulting in bone loss or even tooth loss.
Causes of Gum Disease
A buildup of plaque often results in a bacterial infection, resulting in gum disease. While there are various other contributing factors such as hormone changes, or medications, most gum infections are due to plaque overgrowth.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
In addition to bleeding gums, gum disease is identifiable by:
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Redness
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Pain when chewing
If you experience these symptoms, you should seek dental care immediately.
Your Heart and Mouth
When a bacterial infection in your mouth does not get treated, research shows that the bacteria spread to other areas of your body, including your bloodstream. When these bacteria travel to your blood vessels, tiny blood clots can form, resulting in a heart attack or stroke. If these bacteria reach your heart, they can cause inflammation and damage to one of your body’s most essential organs.
One of the main symptoms of periodontal disease is inflammation, which can also spread throughout your body, causing vascular damage. Gum disease has more recently been linked to other major health conditions, including respiratory disease and osteoporosis. Ultimately, the spread of bacteria can injure multiple systems in your body, negatively impacting its overall function.
Preventing Gum Disease
Fortunately, gum disease is treatable, reversible, and preventable if caught early enough. The best way to prevent gum disease is with proper oral hygiene habits. Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, flossing daily, and using mouthwash regularly are crucial to removing plaque and bacteria from your teeth.
Additionally, you can live an active lifestyle to also maintain good heart health. Eating nutrient-rich foods and regularly exercising can contribute to keeping your heart healthy and strong.
Periodontal Services at Lynn Dental Care
The most effective way to prevent gum disease is scheduling bi-annual dental appointments and receiving deep cleaning care. Lynn Dental Care offers various periodontal services to help get your oral health back to optimal condition.
To schedule an appointment for periodontal maintenance, please contact us online or call us today at (972) 954-4434.
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