Links Between Gum Disease and Heart Disease
I got this article from my inbox and thought it was interesting and would like to share it with you.
“From a reader: “I went to my dentist and he told me I needed special cleaning of my teeth in order to prevent heart disease. Is he right?”
Answer: Your dentist is right–get your teeth cleaned as suggested by your dentist, and do it on a regular basis! Many dentists now use an ultrasonic device, which is especially effective at destroying harmful bacteria, to clean your teeth above and below the gumline.
And now, an explanation of how the gums, teeth, and body are connected. Gum disease is an infection in the mouth where specific bacteria can penetrate the gums causing swelling and bleeding–as well as bad breath that can be very offensive to people around you.
When a gum infection is left untreated, the infection can spread to the blood stream and travel to other parts of the body including the heart, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. Recent research is proving that gum disease is a serious threat to a person’s overall health. In fact, many health professionals believe that there’s as great a risk of heart disease from gum infections as from high cholesterol!
Gum disease may have few symptoms, but regular dental examinations can help prevent an infection before it starts. It sounds like your dentist is suggesting good dental health for you, and as he said, it all starts with a thorough cleaning by a hygienist and good dental habits thereafter: daily brushing and flossing to help keep the teeth and gums healthy.
A word to the wise: FLOSS! Most people don’t like to floss their teeth, usually because of stupid reasons and excuses! Flossing every day not only helps to keep bad breath away, it also helps to clean between the teeth, and toughen the gums so that bad bacteria can’t find a place in your mouth to grow. So get into the habit of flossing and make it a part of your regular health routine!
If you have any questions, you can go online to the American Dental Association for information on gum disease and heart disease, dental hygiene, or ask your dentist for information.
Be sure you have your dental appointments set up–for you and for all your family members. It’s a great investment in your health!”
August 20 2008 04:05 pm | Health