You might have heard that having a healthy mouth is directly related to having a healthy body. February is American Heart Month so we wanted to discuss with you the links between gum health and heart health to help you live your healthiest year yet.
What is the Link?
The American Heart Association recently released an article that notes there is no conclusive evidence proving that preventing gum disease will prevent heart disease, nor will treating gum disease lessen the narrowing of your arteries called atherosclerosis*; however, they do concur that there is a definite association between the two conditions. There is a correlation between the number of bacteria in your body and the presence of gum disease.
The Dangers of Inflammation
Gum disease is an active and progressive bacterial infection in our mouth. Gum tissue is full of veins, making the transportation of this oral infection very easy. The infection enters your bloodstream and travels to inflame and infect other systems in your body, including your heart. This inflammation has been shown to exacerbate other serious diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and some forms of cancer. Gum disease has also been linked to premature birth and low birthweight babies.
Know the Warning Signs
The early stages of gum disease are often painless and sometimes undetectable to the human eye. so it is vital to see your dentist for regular exams to make sure you have a healthy mouth. Warning signs of gum disease can often be early warning signs of other health problems, too. Gum disease and heart disease share some of the same risk factors, including: age, tobacco use, lifestyle habits, and diabetes. Keeping a close eye on your oral health could just save your life.
Restore your oral health and help protect your overall health. If you have gum disease in Wayne, NJ and would like to learn more about your treatment options, call our office to schedule your appointment with Dr. Laurence Breiterman today.
