How Gum Disease May Increase the Risk of Heart Problems
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“THE MOUTH IS THE WINDOW TO YOUR HEALTH”. That belief has guided the way I practice dentistry for many years, but it is important to explain the mouth-heart connection accurately rather than exaggerate it. People with periodontal disease have a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease. Researchers continue to study possible explanations involving chronic inflammation, oral bacteria entering the circulation, and risk factors shared by both conditions. However, gum disease has not been proven to directly cause heart attacks or strokes, and treating gum disease has not been shown to prevent them
Most people think of gum disease as only a dental problem. However, chronic gum inflammation has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious cardiovascular conditions. Understanding that connection is an important part of taking care of your overall health.
At Cosmetic Dental Associates in Houston, TX, Dr. Spiker Davis and Dr. Matt Guerre help patients protect their oral health and general well-being with personalized, comprehensive care. If you want to know how to treat gum disease, call today to schedule a periodontal exam and learn more.
What causes gum disease?
First, what causes gum disease? The answer starts with bacteria. When plaque is not removed through regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, it hardens into tartar along the gumline, creating an environment where harmful bacteria thrive.
Over time, harmful bacteria can trigger an inflammatory response in the gum tissue that, if left untreated, can lead to serious issues. Factors like smoking, diabetes, certain medications, and a family history of periodontal disease can all increase your risk and accelerate how quickly the condition progresses. Regular periodontal exams can catch these problems before they go too far.
Recognizing the symptoms of gum disease
Gum disease often develops slowly over time, which is part of why it is so important to stay on top of regular dental visits. Some of the most common warning signs include:
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Gums that look red, swollen, or feel tender to the touch
- Persistent bad breath that doesn't go away with brushing
- Gums that pull away from the teeth
- Teeth that feel loose or have changed in position
Bleeding gums are one of the earliest and most telling signs that something is wrong. If you notice any of these changes, we recommend booking a periodontal exam with our team in Houston, TX.
Why dentists ask about your heart
Your cardiovascular history and medications can directly affect dental care. We need to know about heart conditions, blood pressure, prior procedures, blood thinners, and other medications so that treatment can be planned safely. We may also encourage coordination with your physician when findings or health history warrant it.
After more than 50 years in dentistry, I am increasingly convinced that teeth and gums should never be examined in isolation. That is why we ask about cardiovascular health, diabetes, sleep, nutrition, medications, and other changes in your overall health.
How to treat gum disease with scaling and root planing
Want to know how to treat gum disease? The right approach depends on how far the issue has progressed. The earliest stage, known as gingivitis, can be improved with at-home care and a professional cleaning. For more advanced periodontal disease, we may recommend scaling and root planing. This procedure removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smoothes the root surfaces to help the gum tissue reattach and heal.
Scaling and root planing is completed over two appointments and is well tolerated by most patients. In severe cases, other procedures may be necessary, and our team will walk you through what they entail if they apply to your situation.
Book a periodontal exam for your heart health
Gum disease is both preventable and treatable, and addressing it early is the best way to protect your mouth and your heart. If you have questions such as, "What causes gum disease?" or "Is scaling and root planing the right treatment for bleeding gums?", Dr. Spiker Davis and Dr. Matt Guerre can provide answers.
At Cosmetic Dental Associates in Houston, TX, we are committed to helping each patient achieve lasting oral health. Call today to schedule your periodontal exam.