September 19, 2017

Heart disease is called the silent killer, but did you know what’s affecting your heart may start in your mouth? We’re not just talking about what you eat and how it affects your cholesterol and heart function. We’re talking about periodontal disease in Matthews, NC, and how infections that begin in your gums can ultimately end in your heart.

How Can Your Gums Impact Your Heart?

Our bodies are a massive connected network of veins and arteries. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream from anywhere, and travel throughout the body to cause inflammation. Your mouth is one of the most common sources of bacteria in the body, and if your gums are inflamed, weak, or otherwise diseased they are a prime source for infections that can enter your bloodstream. One of the worst risks is that the infection may travel straight to your heart, but more likely is that long-term effects of inflammation will lead to arterial hardening, or atherosclerosis, which severely impedes blood flow to the heart.

What Are the Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is hard to miss. Symptoms include:

  • Receding gums
  • Halitosis (bad breath)
  • Tender gums, often bleeding when brushing or flossing
  • Redness and swelling
  • Pus-filled pockets in gums
  • Teeth coming loose or out of alignment
  • Increasing gaps in teeth
  • Tooth sensitivity

As periodontal disease progresses from gingivitis to periodontitis to advanced periodontitis, these symptoms grow increasingly severe.

How Can You Treat Periodontal Disease?

The best way to improve the health of your gums is to improve your oral care regimen. Visit your dentist for a periodontal maintenance treatment in Matthews, NC. Dr. Green’s office is conveniently located close to Charlotte, NC and will be happy to work with you to get your oral care plan back on track. You may need antibiotics to calm any severe infections or inflammations. More severe cases may require surgery. Follow a daily oral care regimen that involves diligent brushing and flossing, any prescribed medications or medicated toothpastes, and other recommendations from your dentist. The best part is that the treatment is also the prevention, and as long as you practice good oral care you can stave off both periodontal disease in Matthews, NC and Charlotte, NC and the associated heart complications.

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