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.