Treating Gum Disease in Littleton May Lessen the Burden of Heart Disease

Dentists, researchers, and doctors have recently started to look into the connection between oral health and overall health. They’ve looked at some links between gum disease and heart disease.

Gum disease or gingivitis may also progress to periodontal disease. The inflammation from gums spreads to the surrounding periodontal ligaments which result in periodontitis and bone loss. It can cause the gums, teeth, and bones to break down. Heart disease is a broad term for several health problems, such as heart attack and stroke. There are several studies that showed some links between gum disease and heart disease.

What Do The Facts Show About Gum Disease And Heart Disease?

Some new research studies show a link between gum disease and heart disease. Researchers looked at people who had both gum disease and heart disease in a 2014 study. They found that people with gum disease who got good dental care had lower costs for heart care by 10 to 40% compared to people who didn’t get good dental care. These results back up the idea that the health of your gums affects the health of your heart.

In a recent review article, the authors looked at several studies. They came to the same conclusion: there is a link between the two conditions. They found that gum disease makes a person about 20% more likely to get heart disease. They also concluded that there needs to be more high-quality research.

Gum disease may make you more likely to get heart disease because inflammation in the gums and bacteria can cause important arteries to narrow over time.

Diseases Of The Gums And Other Diseases

Gum disease and oral health diseases are also formed with:

• Osteoporosis: Some research shows a bone loss in the jaw with low bone density. If the bone underneath the tooth gets weaker, the tooth may fall out in the long run.
• Respiratory disease: Bacteria in the mouth can spread to the lungs and cause infections like pneumonia. People with periodontal disease are more likely to do this.
• Cancer: A few studies Cancers of the kidney, pancreas, and blood may be more likely to happen if you have gum disease, according to a reliable source. There needs to be more research in this area.

Early Research On Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

According to a source you can trust, RA is linked to gum disease. Some things might make you more likely to get gum disease. Research shows that people with diabetes are more likely to get gum disease. This is probably because there is more swelling and a higher risk of infections in general. If you take care of your diabetes, the risk goes down.

Gum disease is also more likely to happen to pregnant women because their hormones change and their blood flow increases.

Signs Of Gum Disease

Going to the dentist regularly can help you catch gum disease early and get it treated. You should also tell your dentist if you have any of the following signs of gum disease:

• Bad breath that lasts
• Swollen, red gums
• Sore and bleeding gums
• Pain with chewing
• Very sensitive teeth
• Receding gums or teeth that stick out
• Loose teeth or a change in how you bite

Even if you have one or more of these signs, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have gum disease. A dentist will make a formal diagnosis by looking at how bad your symptoms are and how long they have been going on. They will also look at your teeth and read about your health. While you are there, they may:

• Use a small ruler to measure the depth of your gum pockets.
• Look for signs of inflammation and plaque buildup on your gums.
• Take X-rays of the jaw bone under the tooth to check for bone loss.
• Check sensitive teeth for gum recession.

Signs Of Heart Disease

Your doctor will determine if you have heart disease based on your medical history, the severity and length of your symptoms, and the results of a physical exam. These are some of the most common signs of heart disease:

• Chest pain, also known as angina, results from your heart not getting enough oxygen.
• Arrhythmia, which is another name for an irregular heartbeat,
• Breathlessness.
• Sudden tiredness
• Feeling dizzy and lightheaded
• Sudden trouble thinking or confusion
• Oedema
• Cardiac Arrest

How Do Things Look?

There is some evidence that gum disease can lead to heart disease. When bacteria build up and cause inflammation in the mouth, blood vessels eventually narrow and stop working. But more research is needed to figure out what the link is.

Prevention Of Gum Disease Progression

• You can keep your mouth clean and lower your risk of gum and heart diseases by doing many things to live a healthy life.
• Use fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth and tongue at least twice daily.
• At least once a day, floss between your teeth and gums.
• Mouthwash should be used often.
• Use only products to clean your teeth that have the seal of approval from the American Dentist Association.
• Don’t smoke cigarettes or chew tobacco.
• Eat many vegetables, high-fiber foods, fruits with low amounts of sugar, and proteins made from plants.
• Keep your blood sugar levels healthy, especially if you have diabetes.
• See a dentist twice a year to get your teeth cleaned and checked.
• Be aware of early signs of gum disease, like bleeding gums and bad breath that doesn’t go away. Tell your dentist if any of these things happen.

You can visit Columbine Creek Dentistry in Littleton, CO for the best treatment for your gum disease in the Littleton area.