Gum Disease Associated with Heart Attacks

Recent studies have proven that there is an increase in a
risk for heart disease in those patients who have
periodontal gum disease. The most common strain of bacteria
found in dental plaque may cause blood clots. Once these
clots escape into the bloodstream, there's an increased
risk for a heart attack.

If you have receding gums or notice a bleeding gum that is
often red and irritated, and if you've noticed that your
breath is bad, you may have a gum infection.

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, there
are several theories that explain the link between
periodontal and heart disease. One theory is that oral
bacteria can affect the heart when they enter the blood
stream, attaching to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries
(heart blood vessels) and contributing to clot formation.
Coronary artery disease is characterized by a thickening of
the walls of the coronary arteries due to the buildup of
fatty proteins. Blood clots can obstruct normal blood flow,
restricting the amount of nutrients and oxygen required for
the heart to function properly. This may lead to heart
attacks.

In fact, periodontal disease may increase your risk for
other health concerns including a weakened immune system,
diabetes, stroke, lung and respiratory disease, preterm,
osteoporosis and even low birth babies. Some of these can
be life threatening.

How do you know if you have periodontal disease? Your gums
bleed when you brush your teeth. And are swollen, red and
tender. Other signs are when your gums are pulling away
from your teeth, or permanent teeth become loose or
separate. And if you have persistent bad breath. People
with periodontal disease have an infection that causes
chronic inflammation of the gums. This is a path for these
bacteria to enter the bloodstream.

Unlike other diseases that have early warning signs, gum
disease progresses silently, and often without pain. More
than half of all people over 18 have at least the early
stages of periodontal disease, and the numbers increase to
three out of four people who are over 35. The worse part is
that it not only destroys the gum surrounding your teeth,
but the supporting bone that holds your teeth in place. If
there are pockets or spaces between your gums and teeth,
your dentist may suggest a course of treatment that will
help stop further damage to your gums and bones.

One Beverly Hills dentist recommends periodontal disease
treatment that includes regular appointments with your
dental team to make sure there's no plaque build-up. You
should also attack plaque on a daily basis by using a
one-step powered tooth brush.

According to the Swedish Dental Journal, it helps remove
plaque bacteria twice as fast as a manual brush.

About the Author:

Kristin Gabriel is a Los Angeles-based writer and PR
professional. One of her clients, Dr. Bijan Afar, an oral
surgeon, is also based in Los Angeles, and owns five dental
clinics, including the Wilshire Dental
Clinic. For more information, visit
http://www.wilshiredental.com

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