Gum disease is an infection of the gums that affects over 47% of people over age 30 and over 70% of people over age 65. Gingivitis, which is the first stage of gum disease, is easy to treat if it’s caught early on. If it progresses into periodontitis, which is a much more serious infection, this can lead to gum recession, jawbone erosion, loose teeth, tooth loss, and health issues in other parts of the body. Read on to learn how not taking good care of your smile can result in issues with your cardiovascular system as well as how to prevent gum disease.
How Gum Disease Affects Your Heart
Also called periodontal disease, gum disease is often the result of poor oral hygiene. People who smoke, experience hormonal changes (especially during pregnancy), take certain medications, or have a family history of gum disease are also more likely to develop it. Periodontal disease is characterized by tender or red gums, inflammation, and bleeding when you brush or floss.
Though inflammation can help your body heal wounds short term, chronic swelling can result in a range of dangerous health conditions, including atherosclerosis. Also called atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, this causes the veins to thicken or harden and may result in a stroke or heart attack. Gum disease on its own also raises your chances of experiencing a heart attack, stroke, or another serious cardiovascular event by up to three times.
5 Ways to Prevent Gum Disease
Along with brushing and flossing, there are several other ways that you can lower your risk of developing gum disease, including:
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco products – Since smoking cigarettes makes people at least twice as likely to develop gum disease as non-smokers and makes it more difficult for your mouth to heal, make sure to cut out this bad habit.
- Eat a tooth-healthy diet – Cut back on your consumption of sweet and acidic foods and increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meat, low-fat or fat-free dairy, and fish. These foods will provide your smile with the vitamins and nutrients it needs to remain healthy and strong.
- Stay hydrated – Dry mouth raises your risk of gum disease and several other oral health issues. Make sure to drink plenty of water to keep this issue at bay.
- Attend checkups and cleanings – Visit your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings. Having your teeth professionally cleaned will lessen your risk of oral health issues, and your dentist will be able to ensure that you aren’t showing any signs of gum disease.
As you can see, there are several ways that you can prevent gum disease. By eating well, cutting out bad habits, practicing good oral hygiene, and visiting your dentist twice per year, you can maintain a lovely smile and a healthy heart!
About the Practice
Gum disease can do a lot of damage to your overall health. With help from the talented team at Moulton Dentistry of Hoover, you can keep your smile and heart healthy and happy. They offer treatments like scaling and root planing as well as periodontal laser therapy to eliminate the infection and help get your oral health back on track. If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment with Moulton Dentistry of Hoover or want to learn more about their gum disease therapy services, visit their website or call their office at (205) 988-3360.