When bacterial plaque forms around the teeth, this can cause gum inflammation, which not only is dangerous for your teeth but can also penetrate within your bloodstream and cause adverse conditions such as cardiovascular disease. This will require dental emergency treatment almost immediately.
Yes, there is a distinct connection between gum disease and heart problems. The first sign of gum disease is usually recognised when you brush or floss your teeth.
Plaque Build Up
Plaque can constantly build-up on your teeth, but this attribute to poor oral hygiene. The trigger of plaque build-up is food. After consuming a meal, if you do not clean your mouth after and food debris remains within the mouth, plaque can then build-up and cause gingivitis, the first initial stage of gum disease where gums become tender and swollen. Your local dentist can detect early oral problems such as this and help correct them.
Upon this, harmful bacteria will build up to cause an acid attack on your teeth. This attributes to tooth decay and can cause periodontal disease if not treated early.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal (gum) disease is when the gum tissue surrounding the roots of your teeth pull away to expose your mouth to harmful bacteria. Bacteria then penetrates inside the gum line and eventually penetrating inside the bone. This can cause an infection within the tissue that hold your teeth in place.
Your gums should become bright red, swollen or output blood easily, especially when brushing and flossing. You will see that the gum line that protects the teeth is then exposed.
Periodontal disease can also cause tooth loss. The bacteria penetrates inside the gum tissue and can possibly penetrate in other areas of your body.
Gum Disease and The Heart
Your oral hygiene plays a significant part in protecting yourself from gum disease. A healthy mouth equals a healthy heart.
To date, there has been research that potentially links gum disease to heart complications. Researchers have found the inflammation can lead to hardened arteries. This makes it difficult for blood to flow easily and, this can introduce a stroke and heart disease.
The bacterial toxins spread below the gum line and penetrate into other parts of the body, including the heart.
Can Gum Disease Be Reversed?
Gingivitis can usually be reversed through proper oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing every day and regular check ups at the dentist. Gingivitis does not include penetration of bacterial toxins within gums and the bone. Periodontal disease cannot be reversed and requires dental treatment to repair the underlying bone.
Are you experiencing gum disease and need a local dentist? Contact us here today and we’d gladly help.
