Dentist Fort Worth Gum Disease and Dental Hygiene

Many do not realize that risk factors associated with serious health concerns such as heart disease have been associated with gum disease yet it exists in most parts of the world.

Heart Disease
Researchers have found that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary heart disease. When plaques which are deposits of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other material form in the walls of the coronary arteries, causing the walls to become thicker, they cause this type of heart disease. The result is that it harder for the blood to flow through, limiting the amount of oxygen and nutrients that are necessary for proper heart function.

One theory suggests that bacteria from gum disease enters the bloodstream and connect to the plaques in the coronary arteries, possibly contributing to the formation of blood clots. The first signs of gum disease that most people notice about gum disease is bleeding gums especially when brushing and flossing. When the gum tissue has been compromised, the bacteria are able to enter the blood directly in the mouth. Gum disease also causes the inflammation of the gum tissue, another noticeable sign of an oral infection. A possible connection between the inflammation of the gums and the increased production of arterial plaque have been put forward by theories linking gum disease and heart disease. This type of inflammatory response may be linked to the swelling of the arteries.

Existing Heart Disease
Heart ailments make patients suffering from them to prepare for dental appointments much unlike the average person.Bacterial endocarditis is a dangerous infection that involves the lining of the heart and is commonly caused when bacteria enters the blood during medical procedures. A common organism found in the mouth known as Streptococcus Viridan may enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart during dental treatment. This may cause infected blood clot formations that are able to travel to the brain, lungs, kidneys, and spleen.

You should make sure that you tell your dentist about any current or previous heart ailments. If your dentist feels you are in need of pre-medication, a prescription will be given to you prior to the appointment with strict instructions for its use.

The Key to Successful Transplant
An oral condition that causes a reduction in the flow of saliva, called xerostomia may be caused thus creating a dry environment in the mouth by medications linked with transplant surgery, also known as immunosuppressant. A concern for heart transplant patients is a dry mouth because it is the perfect breeding ground for oral infection. According to researchers, organ failure and transplant complications are associated frequently with an active viral infection possibly similar to those found breeding in the mouth. Aside from medication, poor oral hygiene resulting in the accumulation of plaque may also cause oral infections, again, increasing the risk of rejection or serious complication.

Due to oral infection, when a child needs a transplant, different complications may occur. Likely affecting the formation of the teeth, systemic problems may affect tooth development, resulting in compromised enamel.