There are countless great reasons to take care of your oral health by paying regular visits to your family dentist in Webster, some of which you might find surprising. For instance, did you know gum disease has been connected to various health conditions, including heart disease? [2]
Understanding these connections is essential for protecting your overall health. That’s why we’ve created this guide to the relationship between oral health and heart disease. Read it carefully, and then contact us if you have any further questions.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis, is an infection of the gum tissue, most often resulting from poor oral hygiene.2 Bacteria and food debris build up on the teeth and gums, become plaque, and harden into tartar. That plaque and tartar can then cause an infection.
Gum disease begins as gingivitis, characterized by inflammation and sensitivity of the gums and gums that easily bleed. The issue is curable at this stage, but once it has advanced into gum disease, it can only be treated but not fully cured. Advanced gum disease can lead to loose teeth, tooth loss, dental abscesses, and more.
The Connection Between Gum Disease and Heart Disease
How exactly is an infection of the gums connected to the leading cause of death today?[3]
It all ties back to inflammation and bacteria. When gums become infected, they become inflamed, and chronic inflammation is one of the most significant contributors to heart disease.[4] Meanwhile, the bacteria that build up in the mouths of gum disease patients can also spread throughout the body, causing more inflammation and infection.
The most concerning part? It’s been estimated that nearly half of all American adults aged 30 or over have some stage of gum disease, with those numbers jumping up to around 70% in those 65 or older.[5]
How to Prevent Gum Disease
If you’re starting to feel uneasy about gum disease’s health issues, try not to worry too much. This oral health condition is relatively easy to prevent, provided you do the following:
Brush Twice a Day
Brushing your teeth twice daily will help keep food debris and bacteria out of your mouth so it doesn’t have a chance to develop into infection-causing plaque and tartar.
Floss Twice a Day
There are areas of your mouth that a toothbrush can’t reach. That’s why it’s essential to floss twice a day as well. You can use traditional floss or floss picks.
Watch Your Diet
Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar. They process the sugar into acids, which can cause all kinds of oral health issues. Maintaining a low-sugar diet is good for your oral health.
See Your Family Dental Care Provider Regularly
Your home oral hygiene routine is crucial, but it won’t do the trick alone. You should also see your dentist once every six months for a routine exam and cleaning. There, your dentist will be able to assess your oral health, address issues before they have a chance to develop, and clean areas of your mouth that you cannot reach with a toothbrush or floss.
The Best Family Dentist in Webster
Are you looking for a dentist in Webster, NY, for routine exams, teeth cleanings, general dental procedures, and cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening? Call Empire Dental Care at 585-671-1650 and schedule your appointment today.
Sources:
[1] https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/gum-disease-and-heart-disease-the-common-thread
[2] https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/gum-disease
[3] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/the-top-10-causes-of-death
[5] https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/periodontal-disease.html
