Periodontal Disease and Heart Disease | Schmakel Smile Design

February is heart health month and, while Valentine’s Day is over, there are still a few matters of the heart at hand.

Studies show there are increasing connections between dental health and your overall health. One of the strongest connections is between heart disease and periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is infection and inflammation of the gums and bones around the teeth, caused by bacteria in dental plaque. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal disease and only affects the gums. In severe cases, oftentimes the gums will pull away from the teeth, bone is lost and teeth loosen and eventually fall out.

How Does Periodontal Disease Affect Your Heart?

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that can affect conditions outside your mouth. For people with heart disease, it is believed that gum disease increases the chance of bacteria entering the bloodstream and attaching to the fatty deposits in the heart blood vessels. This condition can cause blood clots and may even lead to heart attacks.

How to Reduce the Chances of Periodontal Disease

Brush 2-3 times per day – Brushing your teeth is one of the most important plaque control methods.

Floss daily – Flossing regularly helps remove plaque from between your teeth, where your brush can’t reach.

Replace toothbrush every 3 months – Not only are old toothbrushes breeding grounds for bacteria, but the worn bristles are less effective at removing plaque.

Avoid tobacco use – Smokers tend to have more tartar build-up than non-smokers. Smoking also weakens your immune system, making it harder to fight off an infection of the gums.

See your dentist regularly – Typically, it is recommended to see your dentist once every six months. If you have or suspect gum disease, you may need to visit more frequently. Don’t have a regular dentist? Schmakel Smile Design would love to meet you. We go the extra mile to make you comfortable.

Predisposed to Heart Disease? Maintain Your Oral Health!

If you’re already at risk for heart disease or have a heart problem, there are precautions you need to take before undergoing dental procedures. You may have a higher chance of developing bacterial endocarditis, which is an infection of the heart’s inner lining or valves.

If you have the following conditions, be sure to notify your dentist and inform them of any medications you are taking for treatment.

History of endocarditis
Artificial or prosthetic heart valves
Scarred or damaged heart valves due to rheumatic fever or other conditions
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Congenital heart or heart valve defects
Mitral valve prolapse with murmur

It is especially important that you brush and floss regularly and see your dentist as recommended. Make sure your dentist knows you have a heart problem, follow all medical and dental instructions and use your prescriptions, such as antibiotics, as directed by your physician and dentist.