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As any dentist will tell you, gum disease is a serious concern. Not only can it lead to wobbly teeth, mouth pain, difficulty chewing, and tooth loss, but it can also have other medical consequences, such as putting your heart at risk. Below, learn more about the connection between gum disease and heart health.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the periodontal tissue in the gums caused by plaque. This combination of food residue and oral bacteria forms on the teeth and beneath the gums, causing soreness, swelling, redness, and bad breath in the early stages. As the condition worsens, gums pull away, loosening the teeth and leaving pockets that can trap food particles. If untreated, eventual tooth loss isn't uncommon.

How Does Gum Disease Affect Your Heart?

dentistThe link between gum disease and heart disease is well-documented, although not entirely understood. Both the American Dental Association and the American Heart Association recognize the connection, and the two illnesses share common risk factors, including age, type 2 diabetes, and tobacco use. Researchers suspect that the inflammation and oral bacteria affecting the gums also contribute to atherosclerosis—a narrowing and hardening of important arteries due to a buildup of plaque on the inside wall of the blood vessel. Eventually, this plaque can break off, clog the artery, and lead to a heart attack.

How Can You Prevent Gum Disease?

Regular oral care is essential, as it keeps plaque at bay. Brush your teeth after every meal in small, circular motions, letting the bristles reach beneath the gums. Also, use a soft-bristled toothbrush, which removes plaque without damaging the tooth's protective enamel. Additionally, flossing daily removes particles caught between the teeth and scrapes off plaque where the brush can't reach. Finally, use mouthwash regularly to kill bacteria, avoid smoking tobacco products, and visit a dentist twice yearly for cleaning and checkups.

 

If you need an experienced, compassionate dentist to help you fight gum disease, contact Richard W. Dycus, DDS in Cookeville, TN. He and his team have served central Tennessee since 1989, practicing both general and cosmetic dentistry. They offer teeth cleanings, tooth extractions, dental implants, teeth whitening, and dentures. Learn more about the practice on their website, or call (931) 528-7977 to make an appointment today.

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