Why are my gums bleeding? Why have they suddenly become red and puffy? Gum disease in Tappan has a sneaky way of attacking your soft oral tissue, causing you to wonder how it happened in the first place. Although it doesn’t happen overnight, you may find yourself a bit oblivious to your symptoms in the beginning. However, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans experience the same scenario and don’t realize it’s an issue until they either see their dentist or begin to notice other problems developing throughout their body, one of which is the heart. But why would the gums impact such a vital organ? To find out, hear from a dentist who explains the connection.
From the Mouth to the Heart: What’s the Link?
If you were to pinpoint one aspect of gum disease that connects it to the heart it would be inflammation, and here’s how:
When plaque and tartar accumulate and spread beneath the gum line, it creates pockets that easily trap bad bacteria and food particles. If deep enough, infection and inflammation will enter into the bloodstream and travel to various parts of the body. Should it end up reaching your heart, the vessels that work to keep blood pumping can become inflamed, resulting in everything from a heart attack to a stroke.
If you have high cholesterol or heart valve disease, this type of infection or inflammation can build up on your arteries and lead to serious problems that will require the help of not only your dentist but also a cardiologist.
How to Treat Gum Disease
Although a diagnosis of gum disease sounds intimidating or even hopeless, there is good news. Dentists can now treat your soft tissues and combat this type of infection with periodontal therapy. Using a combination of scaling and root planing and antibiotic therapy, your dentist can remove hardened plaque and tartar before smoothing out the tooth root to encourage reattachment. They can also apply a topical antibiotic that will dissolve and eliminate bacteria beneath the gums.
If necessary, your dentist may also choose to perform gum recontouring if it looks like your soft tissue is pulling away from your teeth (gum recession). To prevent tooth sensitivity from continuing because of the exposed enamel near the tooth root, they can move the gums into their original position while also improving your smile’s aesthetics.
If you want to avoid this potential problem and keep both your gums and heart healthy, remember to maintain a good oral hygiene routine, quit smoking (if you currently do), avoid sugary or starchy foods that can lead to bacterial build-up, and continue seeing your dentist for regular dental checkups and cleanings twice a year.
About the Practice
At Smile More Dentistry, our team of dentists knows how easy it can be to
develop gum disease without even realizing it. When it attacks the soft tissues
surrounding your teeth, the symptoms may first appear mild. Fortunately, if
caught early enough, our experts can quickly reverse it and have you on your
way. If left to progress, we can employ periodontal therapy to remedy the
problem. Using advanced techniques and state-of-the-art equipment, not only
will your smile improve, but your health and wellbeing will be void of any
potential problems as a result of your gum disease. If you or a loved one is
showing symptoms of periodontal disease, or if you’re searching for a “dentist
near me” who handles this type of dental problem, visit our website or call (845) 675-1512.