Maintaining your oral health is as essential as maintaining your overall health. When you do not maintain proper oral hygiene, it can cause infections and gum diseases, and you might end up losing your teeth.
There is a strong ongoing debate that poor oral health can be a probable cause of heart disease. But that does not mean maintaining your oral health would reduce the chances of heart disease. Several studies have shown that gum disease or periodontitis has the potential of increasing the risk of heart disease development.
Poor dental health means there is a high chance of the growth of bacteria and infections in your mouth. These bacteria can mix with your bloodstream and impact your heart. Also, oral health is very crucial if you have artificial heart valves.
Sometimes, there is no direct connection between oral health and heart disease; rather, it is the third factor that impacts both. For example, smoking can cause oral issues and it can also lead to heart-related diseases. Thus, the exact relationship between oral health and heart health still remains to be a point of debate.
Periodontal Disease
As mentioned earlier, periodontal disease can be a probable cause of heart disease. And even that is not the case, gum disease can be very painful and it can interrupt your oral functionalities. An experienced dentist in Chelmsford suggests that periodontal diseases can be identified in an early stage if you go for a regular check-up. Initially, gingivitis is not painful and thus, people are unaware that they have a periodontal problem.
You should look out for signs like bleeding gums, gum inflammation, etc., which can be potential indicators of this issue. Remember that if periodontal diseases are not treated on time, you might end up losing your teeth, which will not only impact your oral functions but also harm your facial aesthetics.
The Treatment
If you have acquired gum disease, it is crucial to contact a dentist in Chelmsford right away. Depending on your oral conditions, there are surgical and non-surgical ways of treating your gum problems.
Non-Surgical Treatment
- Periodontal maintenance is one of the best ways to deal with gum-related diseases.
- Scaling and root planing involve scraping off plaque and tartar from your tooth surface, below the gumlines, and from gum pockets. And then attaching the gum back to the teeth.
Surgical Treatment
- Gum Graft surgery is one of the best ways to prevent additional gum recession and bone loss.
- Periodontal pocket reduction surgery helps your gums to reattach to the surface of the teeth better.
Irrespective of whether there is a link between gum health and cardiovascular health, you should always maintain your oral hygiene. It will help you lead a healthier and tension-free life.