Dr Bianca Flora, periodontist with Dental Associates, is joining with the dental community in encouraging people to be aware of the connection between heart health and periodontal disease.

Since 2009, said Dr Flora, cardiologists and dental professionals have recognized the correlation between the two, and worked to educate the population. This year’s promotion from periodontists, “Love The Gums You’re With,” piggybacks on the “February is Heart Health Month” campaign, an effort by the American Heart Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Million Hearts.

Periodontal disease is a disease of the gums created by the build up of bacteria in the mouth. That sets up an inflammatory response throughout the body, explained Dr Flora. According to information from www.perio.org, one out or two Americans has periodontal disease, two and a half times more than are diagnosed with diabetes.

Years ago, it was believed that the worst that would happen with periodontal disease was the loss of bone and teeth. Now, she said, it is known that the bacteria can spread and circulate. Researchers have found the same bacteria that cause periodontal disease in the heart valves of patients, Dr Flora said.

“They now think that periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease, and chronic inflammation leads to arteriosclerosis,” she said, the thickening of artery walls. That, in turn, can lead to heart disease.

“It is a silent disease,” cautioned Dr Flora, with symptoms often overlooked by patients. It is usually painless, until it is in the advanced stages. Bleeding gums, loose teeth, bad breath, or receding gums can all indicate periodontal disease is underway. Smokers, because nicotine constricts blood vessels, may not have bleeding gums, she said. Often considered a health concern of older people, poor dental hygiene can lead to periodontal disease at any age.

That is why oral hygiene and regular six-month checkups are important, Dr Flora said. A doctor will notice signs of periodontal disease, and treatment can be provided before the bacteria spreads throughout the body. It is also not uncommon for cardiologists to realize a patient has periodontal disease, and recommend a trip to the periodontist.

Stress, certain medications, smoking, and genetics also contribute to the development of periodontal disease.

Treatment begins with a special cleaning to remove bacteria trapped in deep pockets between the gums and teeth. A topical antibiotic may be applied in some cases. If the disease does not respond to the deep cleaning, gum surgery (lifting the gums to clean beneath) is the next step. Once periodontal disease is treated and corrected, the danger of bacteria circulating through the body is no longer a threat.

There are simple ways to decrease the likelihood of periodontal disease, Dr Flora said.

Brush at least twice daily, and floss. And, she said, go for regular checkups. Good oral hygiene should be started early in life and maintained.

Be aware of the symptoms of periodontal disease, and contact a dentist is there are concerns. “Prevention,” Dr Flora emphasized, “is key.”