You feel better when your teeth are healthy. No one wants to go through their days with toothaches and swollen gums. Your teeth say a lot about you, and recent studies show that missing teeth and gum disease increases your risk of heart disease.
Read on to learn how improving the health of your teeth and gums makes you a healthier person.
What is the Link Between Missing Teeth and Heart Disease?
Research shows that for every missing tooth, there is an increase in a harmful enzyme that can cause your arteries to harden and promote inflammation in your body. The levels of this enzyme also increase if you have gums that bleed frequently. Missing teeth and bleeding gums have also been shown to increase blood sugar, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure. You also have a higher risk of developing diabetes.
Do Bad Teeth Cause Heart Disease?
While bad teeth are not a direct cause of heart disease, they can increase your chances of developing heart disease and other health issues in the future. The bacteria produced by your infected teeth get into your bloodstream, causing inflammation inside of your body.
How Can You Prevent Tooth Loss?
One of the best ways to prevent tooth loss is to take care of your teeth. Be sure to brush twice a day. Brushing your teeth after you eat is even better. Floss before you go to bed and try to keep away from soda and other sugary foods.
If you must have them, brush and floss after you are done eating to prevent the sugars from turning into plaque. If you notice your gums bleeding when you floss, or if they look swollen, make an appointment with a dentist right away.
What are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
Some of the symptoms of periodontal disease include pain when you chew and increased sensitivity in your teeth. Your teeth may start to feel loose and if you look at them in the mirror, they may look longer than they used to. Your gums will feel tender and will bleed when you brush or floss. They will also look red and swollen, and you may develop bad breath.
What Happens If Gum Disease Goes Untreated?
Left untreated, gum disease causes a host of unpleasant problems. The first thing you might notice is bad breath. Your gums will begin to bleed when you brush them and they will start to recede. Plaque will form beneath your gums and your teeth will begin to feel loose. Eventually they will fall out as the bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place are destroyed.
How is Gum Disease Treated?
Depending on the severity of your gum disease, there are a few treatment options that are available to you. If your gum disease isn’t advanced, one of your options is scaling and root planing. This is essentially a deep cleaning. The hygienist will scrape off the tartar from below your gum line to remove the bacteria, tartar, and plaque.
More advanced cases may involve special medications like antibiotics or you may even need surgery. Flap surgery is a common treatment where your gums are lifted back and the tartar is removed. Bone grafting is used when gum disease has led to loose teeth and a destruction of gum tissue. This procedure will help your bone tissue to regrow.
When Do You Need to See a Dentist?
Visiting a dentist twice a year is the best way to spot any problems before they start and maintain your teeth and gums. Your dentist will examine your teeth and make sure your gums are healthy and not inflamed. If you have problems, your dentist will develop a customised treatment plan to improve the health of your teeth. You will have peace of mind knowing you have a healthy mouth.
Your teeth are important to your overall health, so keep them in good shape. If you need dental care, entrust your teeth with the best dental provider in Sydney. The dentists at Happy Teeth are ready to make healthy teeth your reality. Learn more about your options at HappyTeeth.com.au and ensure your dental and overall health.