Over the years there have been numerous studies performed that show infections in the mouth can be linked with problems in other parts of the body. Specifically gum disease can cause or make heart disease worse.
Signs of Gum Disease
There are a number of signs of gum disease to look out for and if you notice any of these symptoms you should visit your dental team.
- Inflammation of the gums, causing them to be red, swollen and to bleed easily
- An unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Irregular mouth infections
Many people will suffer with some form of gum disease at some point in their life. Gum disease is caused by bacteria found in the build-up of plaque on the surface of teeth and gums.
Smoking has been shown to exacerbate the condition. If you smoke you are more likely to have high levels of bacteria present in the plaque on your teeth and because of the reduced oxygen in your bloodstream, infected gums will heal more slowly if at all.
Gum disease and a healthy heart
People with gum disease are almost twice as likely to have coronary artery heart disease as people without gum disease. It is thought that bacteria present in the mouth enter the blood stream. These bacteria produce proteins which can affect the heart by causing the platelets in the blood to stick together in the blood vessels of the heart. This will increase the chance of blood clots forming. Blood clots can reduce normal blood flow, so the heart does not get all the nutrients and oxygen it needs.
If the blood flow becomes badly enough affected, it could lead to a heart attack.
Treatment
The first sign that you may have gum disease may be bleeding gums when brushing your teeth. At each check-up the dentist will assess your teeth and gums for any sign of gum disease. They will use probes to measure the amount of gum present around the teeth and may take x-rays to determine if there has been any bone loss in your jaw.
The dentist will remove any plaque or tartar present on your teeth and will refer you to the hygienist or a specialist periodontologist for ongoing cleanings. By attending for regular scaling and polishing and adopting an effective oral hygiene routine at home it is possible to halt the progression of gum disease.
If gum disease is left untreated it can progress to periodontitis. Periodontitis causes gums to recede and can lead to a loss in the bone which anchors the teeth to the jaw. This means that over time teeth may become loose and even eventually fall out. There is no cure for periodontitis, but it can be controlled with effective home oral hygiene routines.
By looking after your teeth and gums you can also help your heart stays healthy. Another great reason to ensure you attend for your regular dental appointments. Call Ringmer Dental on 01273 813898and one of our team will be happy to book you in!