Inflammation can be described as redness, pain, heat and swelling in the body, due to injury or disease. It’s your body’s red-flag reaction to harmful germs, bacteria and viruses. And new evidence is now suggesting that inflammation in the body is a common trigger of heart attacks, even when there is minimal clogging of the arteries. Several studies are also proposing that inflammation is more significant than cholesterol at causing heart attacks.
Periodontal disease (gum disease) is one example of how inflammation is introduced into the blood stream. Tender, bleeding gums (inflammation) when brushing or flossing is a sign of infection in your mouth that’s caused by bacteria that forms continually. This bacteria then enters the bloodstream and causes inflammation in the blood vessel walls. It’s believed that those with untreated periodontal disease may be 3 times as vulnerable to a heart attack or stroke.
If you are experiencing gum inflammation and are concerned about the possible link to heart disease, feel free to contact our office for a periodontal disease evaluation and discussion of various treatment options. A consistent home care regimen combined with regular teeth cleaning appointments can be an important preventative measure to keep away periodontal disease and gum inflammation. We are a Houston Dentist and are available for any questions you may have, or to schedule an appointment, at 713-668-2289. Ronald W. Konig DDS, FAGD, LVIF
