Gum disease and heart health
People with gum disease have two to three times the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular event. However, some people with heart disease have healthy gums, and not everyone with gum disease develops heart problems, so what's the connection?
❤Gum disease increases inflammation in the body. Long-term inflammation is a major contributor to many health problems, especially atherosclerosis.
❤Poor dental health increases the risk of a bacterial infection in the blood stream, which can affect the heart valves.
❤Tooth loss patterns are connected to coronary artery disease.
If you have swollen, red, or tender gums that bleed easily, bad breath, or a buildup or hard darkened areas along your gum line you may have gum disease and should make an appointment with your dentist for a check up and clean.
You can help to prevent gum disease with good oral health practices such as:
😀Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
😀Floss every day.
😀Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings.
Luckily there are any beautiful herbs that can also help with gum disease. Here are some herbs that have research to back up their use.
💚The catechins in green tea have been shown to inhibit the growth and stop the adherence of the bacteria responsible for gingivitis and gum disease.
💚Pomegranate mouthwash is at least equally as effective as chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash in improving plaque buildup and gingivitis symptoms.
💚Aloe Vera, calendula, sage and guava are all herbs that can be used as mouth rinses and have all been shown to reduce plaque, bleeding and severity of gingivitis.
💚 Turmeric. The curcumin in turmeric used as a gel or mouth wash effectively reduces plaque buildup and gingivitis symptoms.
💚 Vitamin C. Low vitamin C levels are associated with increased occurrence of gum disease.
💚Vitamin D has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Sufficient vitamin D levels can decrease inflammation and disrupt the oral bacteria that cause gum disease
💚Q10 is fabulous for gum disease and it is a potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory. Its use is associated with a significant reduction in gingival inflammation
💚 Coconut or Arimedadi oil used for oil pulling can help reduce plaque and signs of gingivitis
Heart health is one of my special interests in clinic, if you would like assistance with your heart health, either in prevention of cardiovascular disease or in the management of existing heart conditions, I would absolutely love to work with you. My clinic is a judgement free zone, always. Click here to see how you can work with me.