The Serious Connection Between Your Heart & Gums

Gum disease is one of the most common oral health issues, effecting around half of the US population. While your teeth tend to get most of the spotlight when it comes to oral health, your gums are more important than you may think. In fact, the health of your gums can have an impact on your heart and the rest of your body. Keep reading to learn more about gum disease in Syracuse and how it can affect your overall health.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an infection and inflammation of the gums that is typically caused by poor dental hygiene. When plaque builds up on the gums, it interacts with bacteria, creating acids that damage the gum tissue. If caught early on, gum disease can be completely reversed with a good oral healthcare routine and regular dental visits. However, if the infection persists, it can result in permanent tissue damage, jawbone deterioration, and even additional tooth loss without treatment.

Warning Signs of Gum Disease

Because the sooner gum disease is recognized the quicker it can be treated, it’s important to understand the common symptoms:

• Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
• Sensitive or tender gums
• Swollen or puffy gums
• Red gums
• Bad breath
• Teeth that appear longer
• Changes in bite

The Relationship Between Your Gums and Heart

While gum disease can cause damage to your smile, recent studies show that it can even impact the rest of your body, especially your heart. Bacteria that infects your gums can get in the bloodstream, causing inflammation in other areas of the body like your arteries. This can increase your risk of problems like heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other heart-related issues.

How Can You Prevent Gum Disease?

Thankfully, gum disease and the risks that come with it can be completely prevented if you follow these easy yet effective steps:

• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each session. Be sure to angle your brush at 45 degrees on the gumline to clean away plaque and bacteria that build up.
• Floss once a day to remove plaque and food debris that collect in between your teeth.
• Use a nonalcoholic, antibacterial mouthwash to clean hard to reach areas of the mouth.
• Visit your dentist’s office for routine checkups and cleanings.
• Avoid smoking or tobacco use because these lifestyle habits can hurt your gums and make it harder for tissue to heal once inflamed.

Now that you know more about gum disease and how it can affect your heart, keep this useful information in mind to stay as healthy as possible!

About the Practice

At Creative Dental Concepts of CNY, Dr. Donald A. Crumb and Dr. Gregory A. Craybas combine their knowledge and training to help their patients prevent gum disease. They also offer various treatment options for those who are affected by this common problem. If you have any questions, they can be reached through their website or by phone at (315) 475-6641.