The Link Between Periodontal Disease and Heart Disease

Sep 20, 2018

Periodontal disease is a serious topic in dentistry. There are a series of oral related complications that are associated with this disease. Much more so, there are also other health issues that can arise as a direct consequence of periodontal disease. One of these health issues being heart disease. As deadly as this sounds, it is possible for this health concern to be corrected if caught in the early periods of the disease.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is the infection of the gums. If the infection spreads far enough, it can reach the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. Once it reaches the bone, there is a very high chance for it to enter the bloodstream. The infection once in the bloodstream becomes a huge issue, as it begins to attach itself to fatty deposits surrounding the heart. The restriction of blood flow can result in heart attacks blood clots, strokes and a plethora of other heart diseases. The link, therefore, is that patients with periodontal disease have a two to three times chance of suffering from heart-related diseases.

Are You At Risk For Oral Cancer Or Periodontal Disease?

During your dental checkups ask your dentist if any of the symptoms of oral cancer and periodontal disease are present. They both share common symptoms and are hard to detect if you’re not trained to notice certain things. Another piece of advice if you wish to avoid either of these diseases is to reduce your use of the product tobacco. Those who smoke have a magnificently higher chance or developing these diseases. Men over 50 are also more at risk than others.

Book Your Check Up Today

If you think that you are at risk for periodontal disease or already suffering from its symptoms, you can easily book an appointment by calling our dental office near you at Willow Park Dental or setting one up online today. We offer family friendly dental services and are always welcoming new patients into our community. We are eagerly awaiting your contact.