Prevent Heart Disease with Periodontal Therapy in Pearland

When you think of the most common disease in the country, what’s the first one that comes to mind? Is it heart disease? Stroke? You may be surprised to learn that it’s actually periodontal disease. Periodontal disease or gum disease is incredibly common for several reasons. For one, it’s actually very hard to detect on your own. Once you start to notice the signs of periodontal disease, it’s often too late to avoid. This means you’ll need periodontal therapy in Pearland.

However, there are ways to curb gum disease before it gets too bad. Today, to celebrate Gum Disease Awareness Month and Heart Month, we’ll be going over the diseases often connected to gum disease, the symptoms, and how to avoid it in the future.

Periodontal Disease and Its Connection to Other Serious Diseases

Gingivitis is considered a mild form of gum disease and is treatable by maintaining proper oral care at home. It doesn’t require additional attention from your dentist in Pearland to reverse. However, having moderate or advanced gum disease is what puts you at higher risk of stroke, heart disease and cardiovascular disease.

When your gums are infected or inflamed, it allows bacteria from your mouth to enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body. For example, if bacteria reach the heart, it can cause inflammation, which can cause endocarditis or an infection of the inner lining of the heart.

Furthermore, if oral bacteria enter the bloodstream, it can cause elevated C-reactive protein. This acts as a marker for inflammation in blood cells and increases your risk of stroke.

The Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

While gum disease can be difficult to detect on your own, some signs can be caught prior to your next dental visit. If you experience any of the following, you’ll need to tell your dentist, so they can properly treat you and/or give you more information on how to reduce it. They include:

• Red and swollen gums
• Sore gums that are sensitive to touch
• Bleeding gums while flossing, eating, or brushing
• Pus or signs of infection around teeth and gums
• Frequent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
• Gums that are pulling away from your teeth
• Loose teeth

How Do I Protect Myself from Periodontal Disease?

Luckily, there are many ways you can prevent all forms of gum disease. Practice the following tips and soon enough, your family dentist in Pearland will be happy to say you’re free of gum disease:

• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes with fluoridated toothpaste.
• Floss once a day, ideally right before bed.
• If you wear dentures, make sure to keep them clean every day. Bacteria can easily grow on them if not washed and rinsed properly.
• Visit your dentist every six months to confirm your at-home care is sufficient.
• Exercise regularly. Studies have shown that those who jog, power walk, or do other similar aerobic exercises are at lower risk of periodontal disease.
• Eat foods that promote healthy gums such as onions, leafy greens, green tea, dairy products, celery, carrots, and apples.

Your dentist recommends you share their blog on social media! If you choose to, use the hashtags #heartmonth, #hearthealth, and #fightgumdisease.

About the Author

Dr. Danny Nguyen earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Houston UT Health Science Center. With over 20 years of experience practicing dentistry, he believes helping patients achieve their smile goals to be his favorite part of the job. To learn more about his practice and periodontal therapy in Pearland, contact him at (713) 436-5655 or visit his website.