Even the term “gum disease” sounds misleading and quite innocent. The simple truth is that “lyme disease” receives more attention than periodontal disease yet is not nearly as harmful—at least not when periodontal disease progresses to a more advanced stage below the gum line. When that happens, the potential for complications including tooth loss are greatly increased. While the loss of one’s teeth may seem severe, the fact remains that periodontal disease can actually do even greater damage and spread beyond the gums themselves. In time, what began as gum disease may in fact put you at increased risk for heart disease.
First and foremost, periodontal disease is the result of an infection in your mouth. It occurs when the bad bacteria that are always present in your mouth are allowed to get out of control. The formation of plaque upon our teeth each morning is a result of these bacteria and it will harden into tartar if not cleaned away. When tartar forms, the bacteria will have a safe haven away from the oxygen-rich saliva that is the body’s natural defense against it. At this point, the first stage of periodontal disease has begun and is known as gingivitis. This is basically periodontal disease above the gum line.
It is when periodontal disease spreads below the gum line that the real potential for trouble begins. Like some massive machine gaining momentum, the bacteria now produce faster than ever and release more toxins into the gums. These toxins will now eat away at the soft and bone tissue until pockets form in between the gums and the teeth. Inside these pockets, the bacteria breed even faster and the machine gains even more momentum.
By the time the periodontal disease starts eating away at the supportive tissue, severe damage is occurring. Tartar has probably formed at the root of the tooth and is hosting even more bacteria. In time, the tooth will physically detach from the gums and remain loosely in the mouth until advanced periodontal treatment is performed—or it falls out—whichever happens first.
When the teeth fall out, the periodontal disease will spread even further. Ultimately, the bacteria will spread into body’s very blood stream and begin seeking new sites to invade. One such organ sought out by the bacteria from your mouth that caused the periodontal disease is the heart. In time, these bacteria may take up refuge in a heart chamber or valve. At that point, in infection of the heart known as infective endocarditis takes hold and begins to weaken the heart.
The heart is weakened by these bacteria because it helps to form clots quicker within the heart itself by attaching to fatty plaques already present. They will continue to attach and further obstruct openings until heart stoppage. But, for those still unconvinced about the link between something seemingly simple like gum disease and something so sinister and deadly as heart disease, the evidence is compelling.
A person with periodontal disease has twice the chance of also contracting coronary artery disease as a person without gum disease. It is also true that nearly half of all cases of infective endocarditis are caused by the same form of streptococcus present in the mouth and one of the bacteria responsible for causing periodontal disease. Some of the main symptoms present when a person has infective endocarditis are: headaches, prolonged low-grade fever, excessive fatigue, and even night sweats. In more severe cases and when emergency help is desperately required, a person will begin to see dark lines form under their fingernails, a condition known as splinter hemorrhages.
It is also true that people with existing heart conditions are worsened by a periodontal disease. The pace quickens on the hardening of coronary arteries when periodontal disease is present. A weakened immune system and the presence of bacteria within the heart itself make it more susceptible to disease and degradation. Unfortunately, once the damage has been done to the heart, it is impossible to repair. Even eliminating the bacteria causing the periodontal disease will not be enough to prevent those causing the infective endocarditis from continuing to destroy the heart.
In time, the bacteria causing the infective endocarditis will break off and then spread to other areas of the body. It is entirely possible that one could travel up to the brain and cause a blockage of some kind or perhaps even an infection. While this is not an entirely common event and is hard to link to periodontal disease, it is much easier to prove that the condition does in fact have devastating effects upon the entire body, but especially to the heart itself.
In truth, periodontal disease is one of the most dangerous conditions most people don’t know about. Dentists continue to ask if we have brushed and flossed every day, but few ever bother to ask if we also used some mouthwash to kill those harmful bacteria that lead to periodontal disease. By adding in this slight variation to your normal oral hygiene routine, you can greatly reduce your chances for developing periodontal disease. In the process, you will also improve your chances at having a healthier lifestyle.
Be sure to choose only mouthwashes or products that are made from all- natural ingredients. Products made using alcohol or other chemicals may dry the mouth and deprive it of saliva. Saliva is the principle defense against the bacteria responsible for causing periodontal disease. Any product that causes the body to lose its primary defense against bacteria should not be used.
Aside from adding some all-natural mouthwash or similar anti- bacterial product into your oral hygiene regimen, simply making sure to attend those semi-annual cleanings at the dentists office will go a long way towards ensuring that you never increase your risk of acquiring coronary artery disease. Periodontal disease may start off innocent, but it quickly turns into a serious threat to your overall health.
John Davis writes for Trusted Health Products; http://www.trustedhealthproducts.com provides 100% guaranteed, all natural health care products for customers worldwide. To see our oily skin care product go to http://www.skinsosilky.com
