Can Gum Health Affect Your Heart Health? The Answer May Surprise You.
Periodontal disease is unpleasant, to say the least. It can also be very dangerous for your oral and overall health. Left unchecked, diseases such as gingivitis can lead to bad breath, tooth decay, infection, tooth loss, and even heart problems.
It’s true! Periodontal disease can seriously affect the health of your heart and cardiovascular system. There are recent studies showing a similar link between diabetes and oral health. Because of this, it’s crucial to get your 6-month check-ups from Austin dentist, Cynthia L Graves, DDS. Regular visits allow dentists to monitor periodontal diseases, and help prevent them all together. But how exactly does your gum health affect your heart health?
The Gum-Heart Connection
Though there is some debate on the subject, most dentists agree there is a link between gum disease and cardiovascular issues. A landmark 2010 analysis of dozens of individual studies showed that advanced periodontal disease was correlated with an increased risk of cardiovascular issues such as stroke, heart disease, and heart attacks. But why?
The Answer Is Inflammation
Inflammation is one of the primary symptoms of gum disease. As plaque builds up on your gums and hardens into tartar, your gums respond by swelling and bleeding.
Your gums are full of tiny blood vessels, and once inflammation occurs, bacteria can easily get into your bloodstream, causing inflammation elsewhere in your body. Bacteria such as streptococcus sanguis (well-known for its role in strokes) can be transferred into your bloodstream.
Inflammation of blood vessels in the body also causes a condition known as atherosclerosis – the hardening of arteries that can make it more difficult for blood to flow to the heart. Combined, excess bacteria and inflammation can lead to an increased risk of common cardiovascular problems.
Currently, research indicates this is the primary reason that periodontal disease and unhealthy gums can contribute to the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious health issues.
However, there is also another contributing factor. Periodontal disease tends to occur more commonly in folks with sub-par health habits, or lifestyle-based health issues (diabetes, smoking, and poor diets are common contributors to periodontal disease). Because of this, severe cases of gum disease can easily contribute to an already poor level of heart health, potentially triggering a serious heart issue.
Need Periodontal Disease Treatment in Austin? Visit Cynthia Graves, DDS!
Don’t leave your gum health to chance! If you suspect you have gingivitis or periodontitis, it’s crucial to seek treatment right away. Cynthia Graves, DDS specializes in comprehensive dentistry, and the treatment of all forms of periodontal disease. Her years of experience, kind and gentle approach, and dedication to continual education, make her a premier Austin dentist for any oral issue!
Schedule an appointment today by calling (512) 258-8001, contacting us online, or visiting our office at 10418 Lake Creek Pkwy, Austin, TX 78750.
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What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
Emergency dental care is often the only way to save a tooth in case of a serious dental emergency. Your teeth are sensitive, and if you experience trauma, it’s important to get the care you need as soon as possible.
But how can you recognize a dental emergency? Some cases of dental emergency are obvious, such as a missing tooth, but others are not so clear-cut. Let’s take a look at the most common dental emergencies, so that you can better understand what steps you should take to seek an emergency dentist in Austin, TX..
1. Missing Tooth (Dental Avulsion)
Dental avulsion is among the most serious dental emergencies. For the best chance of restoring a healthy tooth, it must be replaced within 12-24 hours–the sooner the better.
If you have knocked out teeth, it’s important to recover them so that they can be re-inserted in your mouth. Rinse them with water, if necessary, and place them in a saline solution, or in milk to preserve moisture and keep them healthy until you can see an emergency dentist.
2. Loose Tooth
Loose teeth are also a serious medical emergency. Loose teeth, whether caused by trauma or other habits like tooth grinding or periodontal disease, should be addressed as soon as possible.
Failing to restore a loose tooth can lead to infection, tooth decay, bad breath, and a variety of other issues, so you should see an emergency dentist as soon as you can.
3. Broken, Cracked Or Chipped Tooth
Broken, cracked, and chipped teeth do qualify as dental emergencies. A broken tooth is extremely painful, and can expose the nerve pulp of the tooth. This can lead to severe pain, and even dental sepsis, a serious dental infection.
A cracked tooth or a severely chipped tooth can have similar symptoms. If you suspect you have a broken, cracked, or chipped tooth, seek a dental professional immediately. The same goes for a loose crown that will not stay fixed to its tooth.
4. Oral Tissue Injuries
Most oral tissue injuries such as lacerations, tears, or puncture wounds to the lips, tongue, cheeks, and gums qualify as dental emergencies. Though the teeth may not be directly affected by these injuries, the overall health of your mouth could be at risk, and you may need a dentist or oral surgeon to treat your oral injuries.
5. Oral Pain And Extreme Sensitivity
Facial trauma is not the only cause of dental emergencies. If you are experiencing oral pain and extreme sensitivity, or a severe toothache, you could be suffering from a variety of dental emergencies, such as:
- Advanced dental decay
- Serious infection of the tooth
- Gum or tooth abscess
- Gum disease
If you are also experiencing sensitivity to hot and cold foods, or even the outside air, you should see a dentist as soon as you can. You could be suffering from any of these serious conditions, and you need to get emergency dental care ASAP.
Cynthia Graves DDS – Your Go-To Austin Dentist For Emergency Dental Care!
Austin dentist Dr. Cynthia Graves understands that you can’t predict dental emergencies. When you need care for a dental trauma, you need it fast! That’s why we offer flexible appointments and office hours so that we can take care of your needs, even in emergency situations!
Dr. Graves is dedicated to learning modern tooth restoration techniques, using advanced dental equipment, and applying state-of-the-art methods, all in a welcoming environment for patients. You’re in good hands with Dr. Graves!
So if you need emergency oral care from an Austin dentist, don’t wait. Contact us today at
(512) 258-8001, or visit us at 10418 Lake Creek Pkwy, Austin, TX 78750.
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