Periodontal Disease - Heart Disease and Stroke
The Mouth and Body Connection
Summary of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal (gum) disease is a chronic, progressive condition that can severely damage the oral health of a patient over time. Not only does it cause gum recession and bone loss in the jaw due to inflammation, but it can also lead to tooth loss if not properly managed.
Periodontal disease occurs when bacteria and plaque (which hardens and becomes tartar) accumulate below the gumline. Over time, this affects both your gums and jawbone. As the issue progresses, gum tissue detaches from the root of the tooth, and the underlying jawbone deteriorates. This all leads to major and sometimes irreparable oral health issues.
At Michael Drone Dentistry & Prosthodontics, we provide a thorough periodontal evaluation, then put a plan in place to help control and manage the symptoms of gum disease.
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Dr. Drone is a native of Wheatfield, IN, and has been practicing dentistry since 2003, and opened his private practice in Valparaiso, IN, in 2007. Dr. Drone earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Indiana University School of Dentistry and earned his advanced specialty degrees in Prosthodontics and Maxillofacial Prosthodontics from Indiana University School of Dentistry and Medicine.
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The Mouth-Body Connection and Periodontal Disease
Research has proven that there is a strong connection between periodontal disease and other chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease, and osteoporosis. Periodontal disease is characterized by inflammation above and below the gum line, the presence of disease-causing bacteria, bleeding of gum tissue when brushing or flossing, gum pockets, and bone loss. The bacterial infection in the mouth can spread throughout the body and lead to several problematic health issues. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene, preventing periodontal disease, or reducing the progression of periodontal disease through dental treatments will have benefits beyond preventing gum disease and bone loss. It can prevent you from the chance of developing another serious health condition.
Periodontal Disease and Heart Disease-Stroke Connection
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States in both men and women. Dr. Drone works closely with a team of specialists, a periodontist and a cardiologist, to care for individuals with both diseases. Routine oral health care exams and following your periodontal treatment for periodontal disease can help prevent cardiovascular diseases. The link between heart disease and periodontal disease is well researched, and patients are twice as likely to suffer from heart disease as individuals with healthy mouths. The connection between periodontal disease and heart disease is discussed below.
- Oral Bacteria: There are many strains of periodontal bacteria, but only certain strains have deleterious effects on the cardiovascular system. These strains enter the bloodstream and attach to the fatty plaques in the coronary arteries. This attachment leads to clot formation and increased risk of several issues, including a heart attack or stroke.
- Inflammation: Inflammation caused by periodontal disease causes severe inflammation in the gum tissue, causing an increase in white blood cells and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Cardiovascular research studies have shown that CRP is associated with heart disease. Periodontal infections trigger an elevation of CRP and intensify the natural inflammatory response. Bacteria from periodontal disease may enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation, which triggers the liver to produce extra amounts of CRP, which causes inflammation in arteries, resulting in a possible blood clot, heart attack, or stroke.
- Infectious susceptibility: Individuals with high levels of oral bacteria may have weaker immune systems and inflammatory responses, which can have harmful cardiovascular effects resulting in cardiovascular disease.
It is essential that individuals with cardiovascular disease have routine oral health care exams at a minimum of two times a year at Michael Drone Dentistry & Prosthodontics. Dr. Drone will evaluate the following: medical history, dental history, dental radiographs, saliva sampling, the condition of your gums, the condition of your teeth, and your jawbone to assess any risk factors for periodontal disease.
Dr. Drone will design a periodontal treatment plan with the hygienist and perform the necessary non-surgical periodontal procedures:
- removal of the tartar from the teeth
- removal of tartar above and below the gum line
- removal of bacteria on the roots of the teeth
- removal of bacteria in the gum pockets
- application of antibiotics into the gum pockets
- prescription for medicated mouthwash
- placement of fluoride
Once your appointment has been completed, our team will recommend oral hygiene products and discuss care instructions. We will also re-evaluate your periodontal plan and make any necessary adjustments. In order to avoid the progression of gum disease, it’s important to take proper care of your teeth and gums at home, stick to scheduled appointments, and follow treatment plan instructions completely. With proper care, the symptoms can be managed, and the progression of periodontal disease can be stopped.