Did you know that over 600,000 people die of heart disease every year? If you floss daily and brush your teeth twice each day, it could ultimately save your life.

Research shows that people with periodontal disease are two times as likely to have heart disease than those with healthy gums. Keep on reading to learn how and why these two conditions are related, what you can do to prevent them, and how we can help.

Periodontal Disease and Heart Disease Are Linked

Some of the bacteria found in the gums of people suffering from periodontal disease can break down tissues, resulting in inflammation. This inflammation can travel through the bloodstream and attach to fatty deposits, which can then cause blood clots leading to heart attacks or strokes.

Gingivitis

There are a series of stages with gum disease. The first stage in gingivitis, which is best avoided by scheduling an appointment with our periodontist in 60540 twice a year so we can detect it early and diagnose any problems right away.

You can prevent gingivitis from developing by brushing and flossing daily. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis, which will require advanced treatment.

How to Treat Periodontal Disease

Taking care of your oral health starts with getting rid of bad habits. This includes smoking, which has been linked to poor periodontal health and heart problems.

Personal oral care is very important, and a core part of any periodontal treatment plan, so we will spend as much time as it takes to make sure you know the correct way to take care of your gums. Those with a high risk of developing periodontal disease, or who already have it, should schedule their appointments more frequently than twice a year.

To reduce your risk of developing heart problems linked to periodontal disease, contact our periodontics office in Naperville, IL today to schedule a consultation.