Periodontal And Heart Disease: Whats The Connection?

To maintain healthy gums and teeth, dentists have always told you the importance of brushing and flossing your teeth enough

. Doing this will keep your teeth safe from cavities and help you avoid having to undergo costly dental work to fix your smile. Although these are important reasons to maintain a healthy, there is new research that suggests that there is a link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease. In fact, patients who suffer from periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to experience coronary artery disease as those that don't. To avoid serious health risks, it is more important than ever to maintain healthy teeth and gums on a daily basis.

Explaining The Link

There are two main theories used to explain the correlation between periodontal and heart disease. The first theory is that the same bacteria that builds up on your teeth and gums can make it into the bloodstream, attach to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries and contribute to clot formation. When a clot forms, the flow of blood to the heart is restricted, which prevents nutrients and oxygen from reaching the heart. In extreme cases, this can lead to a heart attack.

Another theory is that the inflammation that is caused by gum disease can cause an increase in the buildup of plaque, which in turn will cause swelling in the arteries. Whatever the cause, it is clear that there is some sort of connection between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease. Because of this, it is important for you to take care of your personal oral health every day. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and can affect anyone. You should take advantage of any opportunity to lower your risk for heart disease.

Stroke

There have also been studies that have looked into the relationship between gum disease and other health problems, such as stroke. Some studies have shown that stroke victims are more likely to have an oral infection that those that do not. Although research is still being conducted on this issue and researchers are trying to learn more, it is clear that tooth and gum disease should be taken seriously as factors in the development of other health issues.

Maintaining Good Oral Health

To make sure your teeth and gums are healthy, there are a few things that you should do. First, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once per day. This will prevent the buildup of bacteria and plaque on your teeth and gums. In addition, it is important to visit your Boston dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Your dentist will be able to clean your teeth and gums more thoroughly than you can and will be able to check your teeth and gums for signs of infection.

To learn more about the link between periodontal and cardiovascular disease, schedule an appointment with your Boston, MA dentist today.

by: Gen Wright

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