Heart Health and Gum Disease

Dentists have known for years that a person with a healthy mouth is generally healthier overall. But did you know that your life may depend on it? Recent studies have shown a link between heart health, stroke and periodontitis (gum disease.) The exact mechanism is not known, but some think the bacteria that grow in a mouth with gum disease may help form clots in arteries which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

The good news is that gum disease can be treated. The bad news is that most people with early or even moderately severe gum disease don’t know they have a problem. Mild symptoms such as bleeding gums are often ignored. It is not until major symptoms such as pain or loose teeth occur that most people seek treatment. Unfortunately, by that time, much damage has already been done and it may be too late to save teeth.

Gum disease is caused by many types of bacteria. In some people, other factors may have the effect of making those same bacteria more harmful and cause the disease to progress more rapidly. Some of those factors are:

• smoking
• poor diet
• old or loose fillings
• certain diseases
• some medications that cause abnormal gum growth

When the disease starts, it only involves gums, but as it progresses, it involves the bone that holds the teeth. Bone around the teeth can be permanently destroyed and when enough of it is gone, the teeth begin to drift or loosen.

Here are some signs to watch for:

• bleeding gums
• bad breath or bad taste in mouth
• red, swollen or “itchy” gums
• gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• pus between the gum and tooth
• teeth that have drifted
• change in your bite

Another scary side effect of gum disease may be spontaneous pre-term birth or low birth weight babies. It seems that the chronic infection in the mother’s gums may be releasing substances into the blood which can precipitate early labor.

Dentist, hygienists and specialists called periodontists, can help you find out if you are among the 80% of Americans with some form of gum disease. They will offer treatment appropriate for you and teach you how to keep your mouth healthier.

Just think of all the things you use your teeth for—eating, smiling, talking. Keeping the teeth and gums healthy contributes to the overall enjoyment you receive from life, and now we are seeing effects far removed from the mouth. So remember those factors that can worsen gum disease and consider the following changes: stop smoking, eat a healthier diet, have your defective fillings replaced. Visit your dentist for an examination and find out what can be done to obtain a healthy mouth. Remember, it’s not just your teeth that are at stake.

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