Some habits are widely known to threaten the heart, like smoking, but neglecting your oral health isn’t immediately connected to heart health. The truth is that research indicates a close link between a person’s oral health and heart health. The bacteria that accumulates in your mouth to create gum disease can also pose a threat to your heart. This means that preventing gum disease does more than just keep your smile pearly white!

Connecting the Mouth and Heart

The gums inside of the mouth are full of blood vessels, and the mouth itself is filled with bacteria. When unhealthy gums become inflamed, the bacteria in the mouth can seep into the bloodstream and travel anywhere within the body. This creates dangerous inflammation that threatens the heart.

Inflammation causes hardened arteries, which makes it difficult for blood to flow to the heart. Atherosclerosis dramatically increases a person’s risk for heart attack and stroke. When the inflammation of atherosclerosis combines with the inflammation and roaming bacteria caused by gum disease, the results could prove fatal. Doctors can actually link certain types of bacteria with periodontal disease, including Streptococcus sanguis. It is far more common for people with gum disease to have Streptococcus sanguis bacteria in their hearts. This highlights the connection between the heart and the mouth. [Read more…]

It’s scary to consider, but every part of the body is prone to disease in some way. The mouth is no exception, but there is a piece of good news to remember: if you can recognize the signs and symptoms of gum disease in its early stages, you can take strategic measures to restore health to your mouth and prevent your gum disease from progressing.

Early Gum Disease: Gingivitis

Gum disease, formally known as periodontal disease, begins in the form of gingivitis. Poor oral hygiene is the leading cause of gingivitis since skimping on brushing and flossing allows plaque to build up on the gums and in-between the teeth. That plaque eventually hardens under the gumline and turns into tartar, which attracts bacteria and cause irritation along the gumline. As a result, gingivitis is defined by red, swollen gums that bleed easily. [Read more…]

 

Gum disease has the ability to turn your life upside down. Just like any disease, it can spread from its original site in your mouth and quickly threaten other parts of your body. Rather than allowing gum disease to limit your lifespan or diminish your quality of life, take advantage of a revolutionary new periodontal disease treatment called LANAP.

The Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) is an innovative laser alternative to gum surgery for patients battling periodontal disease. If you value the preservation of your health and want to prevent infection from spreading even deeper into your gum tissue and bone, LANAP has the power to keep you smiling wide.

What Should You Know About Periodontal Disease? [Read more…]

Periodontal disease is a serious health condition that shouldn’t be ignored, especially now that a safe, comfortable, and effective alternative to surgery exists! Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) is an innovative laser alternative to gum surgery for patients battling periodontal disease. If you value the preservation of your oral health and want to prevent infection from spreading even deeper into your gum tissue and bone, LANAP can save your smile.

A Quick Introduction to Periodontal Disease

It’s no secret that periodontal disease is bad news, but are you familiar with its exact causes, symptoms, and consequences? Periodontal disease is an infection of the structures that support and surround your teeth. Warning signs of periodontal disease include gums that bleed easily, gums that have pulled away from the teeth, loose teeth, change in bite, and persistent bad breath. If this condition isn’t treated, it leads to the rapid loss of tissue and bone throughout the mouth, which causes widespread tooth loss. [Read more…]