It may surprise you to find out that gum health and heart health are linked, but it’s true! And in this blog from Skutak Dental, we’ll discuss the common thread between gum disease and heart disease to help you understand more about why your gum health is so important.
A 2010 systematic review of available studies and literature on the link between heart disease and gum disease came up with a striking result. There is a strong correlation between gum disease (periodontitis), and heart disease. Those who had gum disease were 20% more likely to have heart issues compared to the general population.
The primary culprit behind this is inflammation. Your gums are full of tiny blood vessels and capillaries, and if your gums are infected, the bacteria causing inflammation may be able to spread throughout your body.
This, in turn, can cause “atherosclerosis,” a serious condition that causes the arteries to harden, raising the risk of future cardiovascular issues like heart attacks. If you have gum disease and don’t get proper periodontal care from Dr. Lisa Skutak, your risk of heart problems may be much higher, so schedule an appointment right away if you think you have gum disease.
Not only does gum disease lead directly to heart disease in some cases, but many lifestyle factors that raise your risk of gum disease also can contribute to heart problems. These include:
At Skutak Dental, Dr. Lisa Skutak can help you fight back against gum disease, and reduce its effects on your heart and other parts of your body. Contact us online or give us a call at (715) 355-4433 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Skutak, and get a personalized periodontal care plan that will eliminate your gum disease or bring it under control. Don’t wait, and don’t put your heart health at risk by leaving gum disease untreated in Rothschild, Wausau, or Schofield.