Heart disease is the leading cause of mortality in the United States.

Preventing heart disease not only means switching to a healthier diet and incorporating exercise into your daily routine, it also means taking care of your teeth and gums to prevent periodontal disease.  At Morgan Dental Care, trusted dentists want you to know that researchers have found a direct link between periodontal disease and heart disease. Gingivitis, the earliest stage of periodontal disease, is easy to treat and should serve as a warning to possible increased risk of heart disease. Heart disease may be a greater risk in patients with periodontal disease, but treatments are available from trusted dentists in Portland.

Oral health not exclusive to mouth

Heart disease and periodontal disease are directly related, according to research reported by the American Academy of Periodontology. How can oral health have anything to do with the rest of your body? Gingivitis, the first stage of periodontal disease, is caused by a buildup of plaque, that sticky substance primarily made of bacteria, as well as saliva and nutrients from food. One theory researchers have is that the oral bacteria present in plaque travels through the bloodstream and attaches itself to coronary blood vessels, contributing to plaques that restrict or block blood flow. Heart disease is characterized by restricted blood flow to the heart and can lead to heart attack. Another explanation is that the inflammation that occurs with periodontal disease causes the buildup of plaque in the arteries of the heart. Studies indicate that people with periodontal disease are twice as likely to have heart disease. Periodontal disease may aggravate preexisting heart conditions. The trusted dentists at Morgan Dental Care in the Portland Maine area can tell you if you have gingivitis, the earliest stage of periodontal disease, and work up a treatment plan so you can take an active role in keeping not only your gums healthy but also your heart.

Gingivitis first sign of periodontal disease

Heart disease is directly related to periodontal disease. Patients should know the early signs of gingivitis so they know to consult with trusted dentists to help restore their good dental health. Though a patient may not feel pain with gingivitis, there may be a swelling and redness around the gum line and bleeding during brushing. Plaque and its toxic by-products irritate the gums, leading to the redness and swelling.

It is this same plaque that harbors bacteria which has been connected to heart disease.  Healthy gums do not bleed, and patients who experience bleeding of the gums should make an appointment with the best dentists in Portland to determine the extent of periodontal disease and begin treatment to regain health and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States, is preventable. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal disease, and according to the latest research, heart disease and periodontal disease are directly related. Preventing heart disease means patients not only need to make better choices when it comes to diet and exercise, but they also need to have good oral health to prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease. Your trusted dentist at Morgan Dental Care can diagnose gingivitis and periodontal disease and make a treatment plan designed to restore gum health and reduce risks to your heart.

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