Gum disease is an inflammatory response to a bacterial infection in your mouth. It begins when plaque builds-up around your teeth forming deep pockets along the gum line. This bacterium then begins to repopulate in those pockets causing chronic inflammation. It would seem however that Long Island gum disease isn’t the only thing this bacteria leads to. According to two recent studies this bacteria may actually have a trickle affect right down to your heart.

Two studies published in the Journal of Periodontology provide support to this claim where in one study researchers evaluated 150 individuals with periodontal disease. They found that those who suffered from a heart attack had higher levels of bacteria growing in those deep pockets.

The second study looked at the DNA of the bacteria residing in the plaque and found the exact same DNA in the individuals’ heart arteries. The matching DNA from mouth to heart was consistent with different types of periodontal bacteria strengthening the claim that periodontal disease can lead to heart disease.

To better understand how bacteria in your mouth can in fact impact your heart let’s take a closer look at those deep pockets where the bacteria originates. Surrounding those pockets are tiny pores. On one side of those pores lies all the bacteria while on the other your blood flows freely.

To start with the pores are too tiny for anything to pass through them. But as the bacterial infection gets worse it leads to inflammation in the gums, causing the pores to become larger. They are now large enough for the microscopic bacteria to fit through and enter the blood stream, catching a ride to every organ in your body including the heart.

When it comes to the health of your mouth you’re not just taking chances with your teeth. Rather you’re taking chances with the health of your heart, among other organs. If you notice pockets forming around your teeth, visible as gums pulling away, contact a local Periodontist right away.

If you’re looking for an alternative treatment for Long Island gum disease contact Dr. Scharf at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com . He can treat gum disease with a laser rather than a scalpel.

Tags: bleeding gums long island, Long Island peridontist, long island periodontist, periodontist disease Long Island, periodontist in Long Island

This entry was posted on Monday, August 2nd, 2010 at 1:17 pm and is filed under Blog, long island gum disease. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.