Have you ever wondered if periodontitis and heart disease are linked.?
It should come as no surprise that our oral health and overall health are connected. Recently doctors have found a relationship between gum disease and heart disease.
Gum disease, or periodontitis, is an inflammation of the gums that can lead to gum erosion and tooth decay if not treated properly. Heart disease can refer to several conditions, including heart attacks and strokes, and is caused by the blockage of arteries.
The American Dental Association and the American Heart Association acknowledge the relationship between gum disease and heart disease. In fact, gum disease may increase the risk of heart disease in certain patients.The inflammation from gum disease and bacteria may lead to the narrowing or blockage of important blood vessels.
Gum disease may be related to other conditions other than heart disease, such as:
- Osteoporosis: Some research suggests that lower bone density leads to bone loss in the jaw. This may eventually lead to tooth loss due to a weaker underlying bone.
- Respiratory disease: Bacteria in your mouth, especially like that found with periodontal disease, can migrate to the lungs and cause infections, even pneumonia.
- Cancer: While more research is needed in this area, there have been studies that found that gum disease may increase the risk of certain cancers, like kidney, pancreatic, and blood cancers.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Research shows an association between inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis and gum disease.
The link between your oral health and overall health are obvious. Taking your oral health seriously and having annual check-ups can help catch, or even prevent, health problems in the future. At Fort Bend Periodontics and Implantology, Dr. Bret Dyer and his team are ready to help you restore your smile to full health, function, and beauty. From replacing missing teeth using dental implants to improve your smile with cosmetic treatments like gum recession repair, we provide top-notch modern dentistry that will leave you looking great.
