In our first blog post Dr. Michael Roessler discusses the link between oral health and overall health. There have been many studies analyzing the connection between periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, and heart disease. The Journal of Periodontology conducted a study that found individuals with periodontal disease have an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular disease. The study results help to educate the public about research findings which support what dentists have long suspected: oral hygiene and infections in the mouth can cause damage elsewhere in the body. All the systems in the body are connected. These findings cement the tangible link between your oral health and overall health. They also further reinforce the importance of good oral hygiene. Dr. Michael Roessler and the dental team at Michael Roessler, DDS Cosmetic Dentistry is dedicated to educating their patients about gum disease prevention and treatment options.

The study by the Journal of Periodontology found that diseased gums have higher levels of bacteria and harmful endotoxins than healthy gums. Endotoxins, which are produced by bacterium, can enter the bloodstream through the gums and travel throughout the body to organs such as the heart. The research goes on to show, and experts agree, that there is an association between gum diseases and chronic inflammatory conditions, such as diabetes and even Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, treating gum disease and inflammation may not only help manage oral health but may also help with the prevention of other chronic inflammatory health issues.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also know as periodontal diseases or pyorrhea, is an inflammatory condition caused by bacteria, plaque and tartar build up affecting the tissue supporting the roots of the teeth. It is believed that 75% of Americans adults have some degree of gum disease. Gum disease is the principle cause of tooth loss in adults throughout the world and is preventable with proper care of your teeth. In addition to tooth loss it can lead to receding gum lines, bone loss in the upper and lower jaw. Fortunately, gum disease is completely preventable. In our next blog post Dr. Michael Roessler will discuss “How-To Prevent Gum Disease”. Here is a diagram of the area surrounding the teeth that gum disease affects.

Gum disease occurs in two different stages of infection called gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is more mild that periodontitis and affects only the gums surrounding the teeth. Periodontitis is a more aggressive stage of gum disease that has spread below the gums deep into the ligaments and bone that support the teeth.

Here Dr. Michael Roessler lists some of the most common symptoms of periodontal disease according to the National Institute of Health:

Symptoms of gum disease include:

Red or swollen gums

Tender or bleeding gums

Painful chewing

Bad breath that won’t go away

Sensitive teeth

Loose teeth

Receding gums

Longer appearing teeth

The American Heart Association estimates that almost one million people die every year from heart disease and almost eighty million people suffer from heart disease. The pharmaceutical industry has responded to this huge demand by creating blockbuster drugs that are commonly used for heart disease – statins, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, amiodarone, digoxin, and more. A person can easily spend thousands of dollars each year trying to prevent or manage heart disease with expensive prescription medications and increased costs for health insurance. Dr. Michael Roessler suggests investing in a good toothbrush, flossing and biannual teeth cleanings. There is no substitute for regular dental checkups.

Brushing your teeth and flossing just got a whole lot more important. Check out this fun video about How to Floss Your Teeth.

Here are a some resources to read more about the the link between gum disease and your heart:

- Small Bacteria–Big Impact

- A Healthy Smile May Promote a Healthy Heart

- Periodontal Diseases May Aggravate Prediabetic Characteristics

Dr. Michael Roessler serves the Mundelein, Arlington Heights, Libertyville and the surrounding areas. He’s been practicing dentistry in the northern suburbs of Chicago for many years and has treated patients suffering with every degree of gum disease. Let us know if you have any other questions about your oral health. And share this information with someone you know by clicking on one of the links below. Staying informed helps us all stay healthier. Stay tuned for the next blog post, “How-To Prevent Gum Disease”.

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