The human body is a fascinating and intricately connected system. A disease rarely affects an isolated part of your body. Rather, health conditions usually have more widespread effects, compromising your overall wellness and quality of life. Often, these connections can manifest themselves in surprising ways. Your gums and your heart are two areas that you might never associate with one another. However, multiple studies have shown a connection between periodontal disease and heart disease. Dr. Wright offers general dentistry services to protect your gums and cardiovascular health. He can also treat existing gum disease with a variety of techniques. To learn more about dental care and heart health, contact our Salt Lake City practice today.

Gum and Heart Health Are Interrelated

It may seem counterintuitive to think that the gums could damage something as powerful as the heart. Nevertheless, scientists have found that patients with gum disease are also more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke. Researchers caution that periodontitis may not actually cause heart disease, and they say that more studies are needed. At the same time, however, they remain open to the possibility of a causal relationship. Some speculate that oral bacteria, which build up in diseased gums, can travel through the blood stream. As they do, they can cause inflammation, and arteries will harden. Others believe that oral bacteria will adhere to fat cells in the blood, directly leading to the formation of clots.

Some experts believe that there is no direct link between gum and cardiovascular diseases. Rather, they say that certain factors can increase patients’ risks for both conditions. These risk factors include high blood pressure, obesity, and smoking. Regular dental exams can reveal the early signs of gum disease in such patients. For some, this may be the first indication that they are at risk for heart disease. Dentists can then work in conjunction with patients’ regular physicians to maintain systemic health.

Preventing Gum Disease

Whatever the specific link between both conditions, there is no doubt that gum disease is a serious concern. When bacteria create pockets in your gums, the tissues will start to recede, and you could suffer sensitivity, bleeding, and bad breath. Even worse, you could lose a number of teeth.

Regular care is the most effective way to prevent gum disease. At routine cleanings, your hygienist will remove the bacteria that cause periodontitis. Dr. Wright can also look for slight inflammation, an early warning sign of gum disease. When he catches the condition at this stage, he can usually cure periodontitis and prevent tooth loss. Of course, in addition to scheduling routine visits, you should brush and floss your teeth at home.

Treating Existing Periodontitis

Once bacterial pockets have formed, you will require more extensive treatment. Scaling and root planing is the most common option. Dr. Wright or one of his team members will remove bacteria from below your gum line. Then he or she will level out rough spots on your dental roots. Because microscopic fissures harbor bacteria, this step can keep them at bay. Your teeth and gums will be numb throughout the treatment. Your practitioner will also use very gentle techniques to avoid discomfort and impact to the surrounding tissues.

Schedule an Appointment Today

A healthy heart is reason to smile! Contact our office to learn more about the oral-systemic connection. Then schedule a visit to protect your health.