Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. What does that have to do with dentistry? A lot, actually. Your mouth can tell you a lot about your overall health because oral health and overall health are closely linked. The link between coronary heart disease and periodontal disease (gum disease) is well established in the medical community. Whether one causes the other and how is still a matter of study. One theory is that when you have periodontal disease, bacteria accumulates in the mouth including deep in your gum tissue. Because gum tissue is vascular, bacteria can easily get into your bloodstream and make its way to your heart. This bacteria, doctors and researchers theorize, might be a cause of both periodontal disease and heart disease.
Regular dental visits and proper home care including brushing and flossing your teeth daily will help you remove plaque buildup from your teeth and prevent periodontal disease. For people who already have periodontal disease, it’s not too late. Dentists and dental hygienists can treat periodontal disease through Periodontal Therapy. If you haven’t seen a dentist for a long time or worry about your risk for periodontal disease, call (208) 467-9271 to set up an appointment to see us today!
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