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Cardiovascular disease kills more Americans each year than cancer. Most people are aware that lifestyle choices such as quitting smoking, eating right, and getting enough exercise can lessen one’s risk of cardiovascular disease. But, what most may not know, is that by just brushing and flossing their teeth each day, they can also prevent this potentially lethal condition.
Periodontal patients whose bodies show evidence of a reaction to the bacteria associated with periodontitis (gum disease) may have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, according to the Journal of Periodontology (December 2007). Thus, it is important to understand that simple activities like brushing and flossing your teeth everyday, and periodic professional cleanings at the dental office can help lower your risk to cardiovascular disease and other conditions.
We recently welcomed a new patient who came to see us about upgrading his smile. He had a mouth-full of porcelain crowns and veneers done in the past that he was no longer happy with. My concern, when we saw him, was the bright redness of his gums right around each of his restorations. The margins of the restorations are breaking down, retaining plaque, and causing this gum inflammation. I told him his tissue is the first issue, then we can improve the appearance of his smile. He agreed with my concern, and we scheduled his first hygiene visit this week. I sent him home with the abstracts of several articles relating to periodontal disease in his mouth (the redness, puffiness, and recession of his gums) to his general health. Periodontal disease has been linked to tooth loss, subclinical atherosclerosis, and future stroke. Gum disease, also, may affect the development and course of systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes mellitus, and low birth weight. Now, he can’t get started quick enough!
