Did you know that bleeding gums can hurt your heart? February is American Heart Month, and we are dedicated to the prevention of and raising awareness regarding heart disease. Numerous studies have demonstrated a relation between the health of your heart and your gums.
Your oral cavity is a gateway to the rest of your body. Gum disease not only affects your smile and your social confidence, it impacts the rest of your body’s systems in ways you can not see.
Gum disease consists of inflammation of the gums and can cause irritated and red gums. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontal disease which involves the gums and bone surrounding your teeth. This can result in bleeding gums, occasional pain, and inflammation. This will, in turn, lead to bone loss causing tooth mobility and teeth shifting in a few years. The bone loss resulting from gum disease (periodontal disease) is irreversible damage. The wider impact of this process can be observed in various organ systems of the body.
Gum disease can affect your heart health in various ways. When the bacteria in your oral cavity enter your blood stream they can settle on the atherosclerotic plaques in your coronary arteries, which can further lead to clot formation. Clots can obstruct blood flow and may lead to heart attacks.
C- reactive proteins are markers of inflammation in the body. Research has shown that c-reactive protein levels are high in patients who have both periodontal disease and heart disease. Treating your periodontal disease can bring down the levels of you c-reactive protein in the body and could help prevent cardiovascular events in the body.
Periodontal disease by itself is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It is important to realize the relation between gum disease and heart health. Here at Sparkle Dental we carefully review your health history, and we update it every 6 months to make your dental care align with the health of the rest of your body. Dr. Sharma carefully inspects for any signs of periodontal disease and provides appropriate treatment to prevent the progression of the disease. Make an appointment today by calling + 1 925 493 7470 or scheduling an appointment here.
