Gum Disease and Your Heart

Last time, we talked about periodontal disease, the negative effects it can have on your body, and ways for Dr. Gilbert Lopez was able to help treat the issue. Now, it is important to look into what periodontal disease can do to important organs of the body, such as the heart. Your heart, along with your brain, is the driving forces in keeping you alive. Because of the significance of your heart, you want to make sure it is as healthy as possible in order to live a long and vigorous life. By looking into how periodontal disease can affect your heart, raising awareness about the issue has the potential to save lives.

One of the ways periodontal disease can affect your heart is through bacteria and place. Your mouth is the gateway to your entire body, it being the way we nourish ourselves, take medicine to heal ourselves, etcetera. When harmful bacteria are in your mouth, it can enter the blood stream, making a straight shot to your heart. This bacterium can be found in your arteries, all the while slowly clogging them and decreasing the amount of healthy blood is pumped into your heart. Because your body has natural defense mechanisms like swelling, the harmful bacterium in your mouth has the potential to make your blood cells swell, narrowing your arteries and increasing your odds of getting a blood clot.

One of the ways this can be prevented is by getting a dental checkup every six months with Dr. Lopez. During the checkup, he will be able to see what condition your teeth and gums are in, and addressing any signs of periodontal disease as quickly as possible. Also, brushing and flossing every day is an excellent way of deterring the dangerous bacteria from being in your mouth. If you think you are living with periodontal disease, contact our office immediately, and we would love to help you achieve a happier, healthier smile.

At New Smile Dental, we focus on enhancing and restoring the beauty of your smile with help from the latest dental technology. Dr. Gilbert Lopez treats patients from Fort Smith and Van Buren, AR and surrounding areas. Call us today to schedule your next appointment.

Gum Disease Therapy with Dr. Lopez

Every year, thousands of people are diagnosed with periodontal (gum) disease. Although the gums are often not paid enough attention to, your gums play a crucial role in making sure that your smile is as healthy as it can be. Some people may be aware of the fact that they have periodontal disease, but there are also those who have no idea, leaving their mouths to constant deterioration and decay. It is important to make sure that your gums are just as healthy as your teeth, and Dr. Gilbert Lopez is able to do that for you with periodontal disease therapy.

Knowing that you have periodontal disease early on is very important in making sure that it does not spread and harm more areas of your mouth. If you are unsure of whether or not you have periodontal disease, some of the symptoms are swollen gums, gums that bleed when you brush or floss, gums that recede, etcetera. Untreated periodontal disease has the potential to lead to many harmful effects on the body, such as bone loss, tooth loss, heart disease, stroke, and dementia. If you have any of these symptoms, it is very important that you make an appointment to see Dr. Lopez immediately.

One of the ways Dr. Lopez treats periodontal disease is by doing a few cleaning sessions for those in the early stages. For people with more advanced stages of periodontal disease, that may require scaling and root planing by one of our talented hygienists. She will remove the bacteria, plaque, and tartar from below the gum line, delivering a healthier smile. A few cleanings may be required after that to make sure your periodontal disease is taken care of, but you are sure to have a healthier, glowing smile at the end. If you feel as though you are suffering from periodontal disease, contact our office today and we’ll be glad to help.

At New Smile Dental, we focus on enhancing and restoring the beauty of your smile with help from the latest dental technology. Dr. Gilbert Lopez treats patients from Fort Smith and Van Buren, AR and surrounding areas. Call us today to schedule your next appointment.