Visiting the dentist regularly may be good for more than just your teeth. Dental hygienists are always warning you about the dangers of developing gum disease if your teeth are not brushed and flossed regularly. Well, now, you may have more reason to listen to your dentist and pick up that floss. Studies have shown a relationship between gum disease and heart disease.

The Correlation

While there is not a definite cause and effect relationship, research has shown that gum disease is a risk factor for heart disease. There are a few reasons why this might be possible:

1. Both diseases are characterized by inflammation. Gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease, is characterized by inflammation of the gums. When plaque on the teeth is not taken care of, bacteria will build up in this area and cause the gums to become inflamed and bleed. Similarly, the buildup of plaque in the arteries, artherosclerosis, is also an inflammatory response.

2. Both diseases cause the release of CRP. People with gum disease will have higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a protein that is released during inflammation. This same protein is used to determine a person's risk for a heart attack.

3. Both diseases involve the presence of the same bacteria. While bacteria play a major role in the development and advancement of gum disease, they are not considered an important factor in heart disease. Nonetheless, the same bacteria that are present in gum disease are also in blood vessels that are undergoing artherosclerosis.

There is a lot of controversial thinking over the connection between gum disease and heart disease. Mainly, scientists think that if a person is not taking care of their teeth and gums, then they are probably not taking care of their bodies in general. Smoking, a poor diet, and overall poor hygiene could all be major contributing factors to the incidences of both these diseases.

Additional Complications

In addition to the correlation with heart disease, studies have also shown a connection between gum disease and other problems in the body including increased risk for stroke, clogged arteries in the legs, and death.

Yes, a person could actually die if untreated gum disease is allowed to develop into an abscess. When the abscess breaks off, the infection can travel through the body and make its way to the brain or another vital area.

Keeping Your Gums Healthy

Whether or not there is a true cause-and-effect relationship between gum disease and heart attacks, the fact that a correlation exists should be reason enough to take care of your gums with daily brushing and flossing.

If you already have gingivitis or periodontal disease, there are many gum disease treatments that can help restore the health of your gums and potentially the health of your arteries. Treatments range from nonsurgical cleaning and scaling to surgical pocket reduction, bone grafts, or tissue grafts, depending on the severity of your disease. Discuss your options with your dentist before the issue develops into a more serious complication.

Remember, when you're tempted to skip flossing in the morning, that taking proper care of your teeth and gums is no small matter. Protecting your teeth with gum disease treatment could protect your heart.