How can gum disease be linked to heart disease?
February is American Heart Month and because heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, we hear a lot about it. But did you know that evidence shows there is a relationship between gum disease and heart disease? Gum disease, also referred to as periodontal disease, is an infection and inflammation of the gum tissues and bone that hold your teeth in place. In its early stage, it’s called gingivitis and can cause inflamed, red gums that bleed. Without proper daily oral care, gingivitis may worsen and become periodontitis. Periodontitis is a form of gum disease that causes the gum tissue to pull away from the tooth allowing for further tooth decay, loss of bone, and eventually tooth loss. Oral bacteria may be the link to heart disease The main cause of gum disease is harmful oral bacteria found in tooth plaque and tartar. […]
How Diabetes Impacts Your Smile
Diabetes not only affects your overall health, it can impact your oral health. In the United States, more than 30 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes, and about one-third of diabetics have a severe form of periodontal (gum) disease.1 Good oral health habits can help manage and control diabetes. Maintaining oral health is important Diabetics are more likely to experience gum disease at an earlier age then people who do not have the disease. Periodontal disease can change blood glucose levels, possibly increasing the time a body functions with a high blood sugar level. This impacts diabetics by putting them at an increased risk for diabetic complications.2 What you should know about diabetes Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. If not managed properly, the disease can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, blindness, amputations, nerve damage and kidney failure.1 Diabetics who receive […]
Three Reasons Why Visiting the Dentist Benefits Your Health
Visiting the dentist for regular dental checkups is an easy way to improve not only your oral health, but also your overall health. Like your regular physician, your dentist should be a part of your overall wellness regimen. Here are three reasons how the dentist can help you improve your well-being. Preventive dental care is important When you go to your dentist for a routine checkup, they (or a dental hygienist) will clean your teeth. Having your teeth cleaned removes tartar buildup that can only be removed by a dental professional, which prevents tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health issues that can result from excess tartar. In addition to a cleaning, the dentist will look for any oral health issues that require treatment. If dental issues go untreated, they can get worse, more painful, more expensive to treat and even lead to tooth loss. In most cases, the […]
Oral health and heart disease
You might be surprised to learn that the health of your teeth and gums can affect the rest of your body and vice versa. Such a connection has long been speculated between oral health and heart disease. While research in this area is ongoing, studies suggests a link between the health of our mouths and the health of our hearts. A review published in the Journal of Periodontology found that gum disease is a risk factor for coronary heart disease and that people with gum disease and fewer teeth have a higher risk of stroke.1 Another study reported by the American Heart Association found that people with healthier gums respond better to blood pressure treatment.2 The link between gum disease and heart disease is largely due to the existence of plaque in both conditions, but it’s hard to say if plaque on teeth causes plaque in arteries or if it’s […]
Seven Diseases that Affect Your Mouth
During a routine dental exam, your dentist can help detect more than 120 health conditions, making regular dental visits essential to having good oral and overall health. Because your oral health is closely connected to your overall health, certain diseases might leave your teeth and gums with unexpected symptoms. Take a look at some of the effects common systemic diseases may have on your mouth. Diabetes The primary condition associated with diabetes is gum disease or periodontitis. Roughly a third of all those with diabetes have a severe form of gum disease 1 that can damage supporting bone structures around teeth, increasing the likelihood of loose teeth or tooth loss. Diabetes may also lead to oral thrush and dry mouth.2 Oral thrush is a yeast infection in the mouth that causes small white bumps to develop,3 and dry mouth is a lack of saliva that can lead to bad breath, tooth […]
