Cosmetic dentistry expert discusses connection between gum and heart disease

Cosmetic Dentistry Expert Discusses Connection Between Gum and Heart Disease For several years now, researchers have confirmed a link between periodontal disease and heart disease. Because of that, dentists are taking additional steps to educate patients on the importance of maintaining healthy gums not just for good dental health, but to promote overall health.

Several studies have shown that the bacteria that causes gum disease is the same bacteria associated with heart disease. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a persistent inflammatory disease that attacks the gum and bone tissue that supports the teeth. It is a leading cause of tooth loss, and almost 75 percent of Americans suffer from the disease.

The American Journal of Cardiology and the Journal of Periodontology recently published a consensus paper on the correlation between gum and heart disease, which offered recommendations to professionals in both fields for treating patients who have or are at risk of developing heart and gum disease.

It advised periodontists to gather patient information on heart health and family history of heart disease, and it recommended that cardiologists conduct examinations of patients' mouths.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Gum disease usually begins with poor oral hygiene, but also can be hereditary. Everyone's mouth is filled with bacteria, no matter how often you brush and floss your teeth. Bacteria leads to the formation of plaque, a sticky film on the teeth. Gum disease typically occurs when plaque is left to build up beneath and along the gum line.

Maintaining good oral hygiene helps remove plaque, but plaque that is left to harden on the teeth turns into tartar. Tartar harbors even more bacteria in the mouth and can be removed only through a professional cleaning by a dental hygienist or dentist.

In addition to failing to maintain good oral hygiene and have dental check-ups and cleanings at least twice annually, there are several risk factors that can increase the chances for getting gum disease. They include:

Cosmetic Dentistry Expert Discusses Connection Between Gum and Heart Disease o Genetics- some people simply are more prone than others to periodontal disease. o Stress- research has revealed that stress can make it harder for a body to combat infection, including

periodontal

disease.

o Smoking- smoking has been identified as one of the primary risk factors associated with developing gum disease. It also can make periodontal disease treatment more difficult. o Illness- Patients with AIDS, diabetes and cancer can develop gum disease. o Hormonal changes- these changes in girls and women can make gums more susceptible to disease. oMedicine- some medications, including heart medicines and antidepressants, lessen the saliva flow. Since saliva serves as a natural protector of teeth and gums, decreased saliva could lead to an increased risk of developing periodontal disease.

Treating Periodontal Disease Dental professionals seek to treat periodontal disease conservatively once it has been properly diagnosed by measuring gum tissue around each tooth. Healthy gum tissue forms shallow, Vshaped grooves between the teeth and gums, which are known as pockets. Measurements are taken to determine the depth of those pockets. Any pocket depth of more than 4 millimeters, is considered as gum disease.

Upon a periodontal disease diagnosis, a dentist begins treatment by educating the patient on good oral hygiene.

What you do at home is everything. It is recommended brushing with a Sonicare tooth brush, flossing daily and it is highly recommended to use a Water Pik. Treatment in the office can include deep cleaning by root planing and scaling. Dentists also sometimes medicate the gum tissue with different antimicrobials.

Generally, depending on the progression, you can manage and get it under control by doing scaling and root planing, but if you don't get the desired healing results, the patient may have to be referred to a specialist for surgery.

Cosmetic Dentistry Expert Discusses Connection Between Gum and Heart Disease For more information about Roseville Dentists