When we think about taking care of our mouth, we usually think about our teeth, gums, or smile. However, Oral health is part of our overall health And we are increasingly understanding the relationship that may exist between certain oral problems and other diseases.
One of the most studied relationships is the one that exists between the periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases. We know there is an association between the two, although this does not mean that gum disease is the direct cause of a cardiovascular problem.
In Asistencia Dental Plus We believe that understanding this difference is important for taking care of your mouth without falling into alarmist messages.
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What is the relationship between the gums and the heart?
Research conducted in recent years has observed that People with periodontitis more frequently experience cardiovascular problems. than people with healthy gums.
This has led to studying what mechanisms could explain that relationship.
Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that affects the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. As it progresses, the inflammation persists and can lead to bone loss that supports the teeth.
In addition, during everyday activities such as brushing our teeth or chewing, bacteria can temporarily pass from the mouth into the bloodstream, especially when periodontal disease is present.
The research studies precisely how inflammation and the body's response to these bacteria They could be related to certain cardiovascular processes.
Association does not mean that there is a direct cause.
This point is especially important.
That periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases are related Having periodontitis does not mean that it will cause a heart attack or heart disease..
Both diseases also share some risk factors. Tobacco use, diabetes, and certain health habits and conditions can influence both periodontal and cardiovascular health.
That is why we cannot explain the relationship between both diseases through a single cause.
It would also be incorrect to claim that treating periodontitis prevents a heart attack or stroke. Periodontal treatment aims to control gum disease and preserve the tissues that support the teeth.. Taking care of periodontal health is important in itself and is part of our overall health care.
How can I tell if my gums are unhealthy?
Periodontal disease can progress slowly and does not always cause pain, so it is easy to underestimate its importance in its early stages.
There are some signs worth paying attention to:
- Frequent bleeding during brushing or cleaning between teeth.
- Swollen, reddened, or tender gums.
- Gum recession.
- Persistent bad breath.
- Changes in tooth position.
- Tooth mobility in more advanced stages.
It should not be considered normal for gums to bleed regularly. If it happens frequently, it's advisable to check what the cause is.
Detecting gingivitis or periodontitis in its early stages allows the problem to be assessed and action to be taken before there is greater damage to the tissues that support the teeth.
If I have cardiovascular disease, should I take special care of my gums?
Good oral health is recommended for everyone, but it is especially important if a cardiovascular disease has been diagnosed. The dentist and patient should be fully aware of the patient's medical condition and the medication being taken..
Before any dental treatment, we must know the relevant medical history, usual medications, and any specific indications made by the cardiologist or the responsible physician.
Cardiovascular medication should never be stopped or changed on your own in order to undergo dental treatment.
When necessary, coordination between the professionals who care for the patient allows the treatment to be approached more safely.
What can we do to maintain healthy gums?
The basics are still much simpler than we sometimes think: good daily hygiene and regular check-ups.
Brushing should properly clean teeth and the gum line, but we must also pay attention to the spaces between teeth, where a conventional toothbrush doesn't always reach well. Depending on the individual, dental floss, interdental brushes, or other hygiene systems may be recommended.
Checkups also help detect signs of inflammation or periodontal disease that may go unnoticed at home.
When periodontitis is already present, daily hygiene remains essential, but it does not replace professional treatment. It is necessary to assess the condition of the gums, determine the extent of the disease, and establish the appropriate treatment and maintenance plan for each patient.
Taking care of your gums is taking care of your health
Today we know that The mouth should not be understood in isolation from the rest of the body. The observed relationship between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease is a good example of why maintaining healthy gums is important beyond just an aesthetic issue.
This does not mean that we can prevent cardiovascular disease simply by taking care of our teeth, nor that we should worry every time our gums bleed.
Yes, it means that it is worth paying attention to our periodontal health, especially when bleeding, inflammation, or discomfort persist over time.
If you notice any of these symptoms, we can assess the condition of your gums and determine if there is a periodontal problem. You can also consult our periodontal treatments to learn how we approach the diagnosis, treatment, and maintenance of gum disease.
