Cardiovascular Health

What is periodontal disease?

Researchers have discovered that if you have periodontal disease, you may have an increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and infective endocarditis. Periodontal disease is an infection of the teeth, gums and bone that live in plaque, the sticky film of food and bacteria that forms constantly on your teeth. The bacteria infect the tooth roots and cause pockets of infection to form in the gums. This results in red and swollen gums that bleed when you brush or floss.

The connection to cardiovascular health

Even with early periodontal disease, bleeding gums can create an open doorway that allows harmful bacteria to enter your bloodstream. More advanced periodontal disease can be even worse. It can be compared to a nine-square-inch open wound around your teeth, offering significant opportunity for harmful bacteria to enter your blood. Research indicates that the bacteria associated with periodontal disease may cause inflammation in the arteries. This inflammation could lead to the build-up of fatty deposits and the formation of blood clots that can block your arteries and even trigger a heart attack. These deposits may also build up in the carotid arteries in your neck. In serious cases, if these fat deposits break apart and are carried away in your bloodstream, they can lodge in your brain, block a blood vessel, and cause a stroke. Additionally, some studies have also shown that when plaque bacteria enter the bloodstream through infected gums, you may develop a heart condition called infective endocarditis. This is a potentially fatal bacterial infection that inflames the sac around the heart, the valves of the heart, and the heart muscle itself.

So, as you can see, it is vital to your overall health, as well as your oral health, to keep your gums healthy. If we determine that you have periodontal disease, we will see you for frequent professional cleanings and re-care appointments, and we will work with you to create a suitable oral hygiene.