Oral Health and Heart Disease

An estimated 2.4 million lives are clamed each year in America due to heart disease. With a number of risk factors leading to heart disease, it may come as a surprise to many as poor oral health may be one of these.

Is Heart Disease Directly Linked to Gum Disease?

Studies done by the Third National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES III) have found that that 10,000 Americans between 18 and 74 years of age who had varying levels of periodontal disease had higher incidences of being diagnosed with heart disease as compared to those who had no gum disease.

Research has suggested that bacteria which cause gum disease may add to the risk of heart disease by travelling via the bloodstream and increase clot formation in the vascular system. It is these clots which pose as a risk to cardiovascular health by causing blockages which may increase blood pressure and/or trigger a heart attack.

Risk Factors

Although studies haven't explicitly established a cause and effect relationship between heart disease and gum disease, many of the risk factors may serve as a link as those for heart disease are also the same as the ones for gum disease.

- Tobacco consumption
- Malnutrition
- Diabetes
- Being Male

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Some warning signs that indicate gum disease are:

- Inflamed gums
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gum line
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth

Prevention is Better than a Cure

By regularly having checkups with your dentist, having professional cleaning and practicing proper oral hygiene greatly decreases the likelihood of developing gum disease. But as definite proof is still needed to ascertain whether gum disease has an explicit relationship with heart disease, practicing preventive routines would be the best course of action as of now.

By establishing a good relationship with your dentist and following his/her advice coupled with regular cleaning, your chances of developing gum disease are greatly lessened. Here are some helpful tips in doing so at home:

- brush twice daily for at least two to three minute, massage your gum line as well
- floss at least once a day, be gentle with your gums
- use a mouthwash prescribed by your dentist
- have regular checkups with your dentist
- inform your dentist of any existing heart condition you may have as well as any medications you may be taking
- follow all your dentist's and physician's instructions to the letter

About Dentist Ballantyne NC

Dentist Indian Land SC.Cedar Walk Family and Cosmetic Dentistry offers preventive care and cosmetic dentistry services for patients of all ages. Dr. Prashant Rao and Dr. Yelena Brikina lead a team of highly-trained professionals, combining the latest technology and dental treatments for quality dental service. We provide complete dental care - from crowns to root canals, tooth extractions to dental implants, lumineers to porcelain veneers - all in a beautiful office environment focused on the comfort and individual care of each patient.