Over the last twenty years, doctors and researchers have uncovered many links between gum disease and heart health. At Landmark Dentistry, we take the correlation between gum disease and heart health very seriously.
Our team of experts completed years of education in the dental industry and gained extensive experience to serve you best at every visit.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Gum disease or periodontal disease starts with a buildup of bacteria around the teeth. Its early signs can include:
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
If you wear partial dentures, gum disease may change the way they fit due to the teeth shifting. The bacteria involved with gum disease triggers the immune response of our body and increases the level of inflammation in the body.
Acute inflammation allows the immune cells to attack the bacteria for a short term to encourage healing. However, the problem is that a gum disease left untreated cannot heal itself and becomes an irreversible dental condition.
How gum disease affects your overall health
Chronic or long-term inflammation in the gums is where the connection starts. Inflammation is one of the main contributors to damaging blood vessels all over the body which also harms the heart.
The gums consist of blood vessels wherein the bacteria can leak into your bloodstream, according to the medical director of Spectrum Cardiovascular Services, Dr. Thomas Boyden.
Currently, gum disease is not confirmed as a cause of heart disease, unlike diabetes, alcohol, obesity, and smoking. But dentists and doctors both agree that the bacteria found in periodontal disease, called Streptococcus sanguis, can spread in the bloodstream and affect the heart.
We can help you fight gum disease
At Landmark Dentistry, we provide periodontal disease treatment in our Charlotte, Matthews, Mallard Creek, and Wesley Chapel locations. Our hygienists are trained to look for the early signs and perform dental procedures to reduce the bacteria and apply medications.
During your regular dental visits, our dedicated team will educate you with teeth home care, the importance of flossing, and the value of helpful aids such as Sonicares and air flossers.
If you feel that you have some of the early signs of periodontal disease, please don’t hesitate to contact our team or schedule an appointment for an oral exam.