Are They Connected?
Most people think gum disease only affects the mouth, but medical research demonstrates that this is not the case. Your gums and your overall health share a close connection. Research points to a link between gum disease and heart disease.
How These Diseases are Related
Gum disease starts when plaque and bacteria collect along the gumline of your mouth. Over time, the gums become irritated, swollen, and infected. That infection creates inflammation in your mouth and the responsible bacteria can spread to other parts of your body.
Heart disease is caused by inflammation in the arteries. Because of that, researchers continue to study how poor gum health may create additional stress on your heart and blood vessels. In addition, research indicates that the bacteria from infected gums enter the bloodstream and then circulate throughout the entire body. This is especially problematic for patients who are already at a greater risk of experiencing heart disease.
Signs of Gum Disease
It’s important to recognize the signs of gum disease, especially in its advanced stage when it is most dangerous to both your health. Here are some of the most common symptoms:
- Red or swollen gums
- Bleeding during brushing or flossing
- Tender gums
- Bad breath that does not go away
- Receding Gums
- Loosening of permanent teeth
- Pain while chewing
- Pus near the gums
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is important to seek dental help as soon as possible! Early diagnosis and treatment reduce infection, protect the teeth, and improve oral comfort. If swelling becomes severe or infection causes significant pain, emergency dental care is recommended.
Lower Your Disease Risk
Simple daily habits maintain your health and reduce the risk of gum disease. Brushing and flossing daily keep most people in good oral health until their next dental visit. If you have a family history of heart disease or if you are already diagnosed with heart problems, consider increasing your dental visits from twice a year to once every four months. This provides an additional layer of protection against gum disease and its associated health complications.
Paramount Dental understands the connection between oral and physical health. We want to help all of our patients maintain their health as best they can. If you notice signs of gum disease, dental pain, swelling, or another urgent dental concern, contact Paramount Dental! Our office provides full-service dental care, emergency care, and guidance for patients of all ages.
