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Can Gum Disease Lead to Heart Disease? The Disturbing Connection

May 17, 2019

Filed under: Uncategorized — purpleplumdentistry @ 9:02 pm

Gum disease graphicYou probably already know that gum disease can have devastating consequences, not only for your smile but for your overall oral health. Now there’s even more reason for concern. A growing body of evidence strongly suggests that gum disease may increase your risk for heart disease. This makes it more important than ever for all of us to take care of our teeth and gums. Otherwise we may be risking more than we think.

A Troubling Correlation

In a recent study, researchers found that people who suffer from gum disease are 20% more likely to also develop heart problems. This finding backs up data that indicates a link between gum disease and numerous other health problems, including:

  •  Certain forms of cancer: research suggests that gum disease may make a person more likely to suffer from cancers of the kidney, blood, and pancreas.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: some experts believe that harmful bacteria can spread from the mouth into the joints, causing an inflammatory reaction that contributes to arthritis symptoms.
  • Respiratory illnesses: scientists know that bacteria can move from the mouth into the lungs, potentially causing pneumonia and other serious conditions.

Certain classes of people seem to be at higher risk for developing these problems. For example, diabetics seem to be at greater risk for developing gum disease. The same is true for pregnant women.

Assessing Your Risk

We mention these facts, not to upset you but to stress the crucial need for good oral health habits. By taking care of your teeth and gums, you’re helping your entire body to stay free of disease. With that in mind, here are some important dental habits for all of us to cultivate:

  • Regular brushing and flossing: brushing after each meal is the ideal, although this may prove impractical for many people. At the very least, you should brush twice a day and floss at least once daily. Most people should choose a soft bristle toothbrush and a brand of floss string that is comfortable and easy to use.
  • Eating a sensible diet: your body needs the right nutrition in the right amounts in order to stay healthy. This means getting plenty of protein, complex carbohydrates, unsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Eat your fruits and veggies raw or only minimally cooked to enjoy the most benefits.
  • Limiting sugar consumption: all of us love sugary treats, of course. But overindulging can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Try satisfying your sweet tooth with sugar-free snacks instead. Or choose a piece of fresh fruit over packaged goods.
  • Avoiding all forms of tobacco: this includes not only cigarettes but chewing tobacco, snuff, pipes, and cigars as well. All of these products are harmful to your body.
  • Consuming alcohol only in moderation (if at all): an occasional drink may be okay for most of us. But overdoing it can have devastating consequences, not only for your health but for every aspect of your life.
  • Seeing your dentist twice a year for exams and cleanings: not only will this help to control plaque and tartar, it’s important for catching serious oral health conditions in their earliest stages, when treatment is most effective.

Don’t let gum disease cause a chain reaction of bad health throughout your body. Follow the tips in this post and you’ll come out on the other side of things with a well-earned smile on your face.

About the Author

Dr. Anita Kianimanesh has been practicing dentistry for more than 10 years. She earned her DMD degree from the Nova Southeastern University School of Dental Medicine and is a proud member of the American Dental Association. You can reach her office online or by calling (703) 998-4244.

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