Periodontitis and Heart Health: Relationship and Importance
Periodontitis is a common gum disease worldwide and affects approximately 10% of the population. This disease can lead to inflammation of the gums, tooth loss and various health problems. Recent scientific research, Periodontitis shows that it has a direct link with cardiovascular diseases. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the health effects of periodontitis and its connection with heart health.
Symptoms and Early Diagnosis of Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a disease that usually becomes apparent as it progresses, but can also show some symptoms in the early stages. The main symptoms to watch out for are listed below:
- Constant Bleeding Gums: Bleeding during tooth brushing or food consumption.
- Swelling and Redness in the Gums: Swelling and redness of the gums, which are normally pink in color.
- Gum Recession: The gums recede from the teeth.
- Persistent Bad Breath: A constant feeling of bad breath.
- Shaking of Teeth: Movement or loosening of teeth.
- Frequent Stone and Plaque Formation: Hardened tartar deposits on the teeth that require mandatory cleaning.
- Chewing Weakness: A feeling of pain or weakness in the teeth and jawbone while chewing.
- Increased Spaces Between Teeth: Increased spaces between teeth.
When one or more of these symptoms are seen, it is important to consult a dentist without delay. Early diagnosis greatly facilitates the treatment process.
Effects of Periodontitis on Heart Health
The relationship between periodontitis and heart health occurs through several different mechanisms. Bacteria entering the bloodstream, may occur as a result of inflammation in the gums. Especially Porphyromonas gingivalis ve Tannerella forsythia Bacteria such as can cause inflammation and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) in the heart vessels. This can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
In addition, periodontal diseases constantly trigger the body's immune system. chronic inflammation Chronic inflammation paves the way for serious health problems such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack and heart failure. Increased insulin resistance also supports this process. A weakened immune system can trigger the progression of both cardiovascular diseases and periodontitis.
Treatment Methods for Periodontitis
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are very important in the treatment of periodontitis. Protecting oral and dental health means protecting not only the teeth but also the entire body. In the first stage, tartar cleaning, removal of hidden tartar under the gums and root surface smoothing procedures are applied. In advanced cases, surgical curettage operations With this method, bad tissues attached to the jawbone and tooth root surfaces can be cleaned.
In this way, jaw bone loss can be stopped, gum inflammation can be controlled and tooth loss can be prevented. After the gum health is achieved with the progress of the treatment process, to strengthen the jaw bone guided tissue regeneration (GTR) or guided bone regeneration (GBR) operations can be applied.
The Effect of Oral and Dental Health on General Health
Oral and dental health has a great impact on overall health. Many people are afraid of heart attacks and are careful to eat healthy and do regular exercise. However, they do not give the necessary importance to oral and dental health. However, the mouth is the entrance gate of the body and an infection that starts in the mouth can reach the heart through the blood. Healthy teeth, gums and jawbone are not only an aesthetic smile, a healthy heart means.
Therefore, paying due attention to oral and dental health is a critical step in protecting heart health. Dentists and periodontists help patients maintain their oral health through regular checkups.
