Gum Disease and Heart Problems-The Facts!

Very few people are aware of the fact that gum disease and heart problems have been linked by numerous studies. In addition, not knowing how to prevent gum disease may ultimately lead to a number of additional medical problems. Now at its very simplest, gum disease is and an infection that is caused by bacteria in your mouth. Gum disease is more formerly known as periodontal disease. The least severe of the gum diseases is called gingivitis. Treating gum disease in this early stage becomes necessary when:

• Gums or gingival tissue becomes inflamed and takes on a reddened appearance
• You notice that gums have become sensitive to the touch
• Bleeding becomes common during brushing or flossing; may even occur when eating hard foods
• Mild form of halitosis becomes evident
• More susceptible to colds and minor illnesses

Coronary artery disease is a condition that can ultimately lead to heart attack and death. It is caused by a thickening of the coronary arteries due to fatty proteins clotting together and obstructing blood flow. No conclusive reason can be found as to why heart disease and gum disease are connected, but one thing that is certain is that the anaerobic bacteria are leading to the increased risks.

Scientists believe that the bacteria responsible for gum disease may enter the bloodstream and attach themselves to the fatty plaques which cause arteries to clog up. Failing to treat gum disease will cause this process of clotting to proceed even faster although the precise mechanism remains a mystery to scientists. What is known for certain is that one nearly doubles the risk of developing coronary artery disease when advanced gum disease is present.

Heart complications and gum disease are indeed linked. In fact, nearly half of all cases of infective endocarditis are caused by a bacteria found in the mouth called Streptococcus Viridans. One of the problems with advanced gum disease is that the anaerobic bacteria spread beyond the oral cavity. These harmful microorganisms will spread to other systems and organs within your body, including the heart and brain.

Infective endocarditis is basically an infection found in the heart and will manifest within the valves or even the chambers. The infection is caused by the same bacteria present in the mouth and responsible for periodontal disease. These bacteria will eventually leave the oral cavity when the treatment for gum disease proves ineffective-and will spread to other systems and organs in the body-including the heart.

In time, the infection will progress until growths develop in the affected region of the heart. These growths may then clot, break off, and then travel to other organs in the body and cause other health problems. Symptoms include:

• A prolonged fever that may last for weeks or even months
• Chronic fatigue
• Headaches
• Night sweats
• Dark lines under the fingernails

Again, gum disease and problems with the heart go hand-in-hand. Where coronary artery disease is concerned, the exact manner in which gum disease worsens the condition is still ultimately unknown. But while the precise manner in which heart disease and gum disease are linked is still unclear, the fact remains that heart problems are twice as likely when gum disease is present. It has also been shown in recent studies that treating gum disease will lower your chances of having a stroke as well.

Prevention of gum disease may seem like a low priority due to the relatively mild and painless symptoms which first appear. However, failing to learn how to prevent gum disease could potentially prove fatal as it may develop into a severe health issue if left untreated. Treating gum disease means keeping the anaerobic bacteria in our mouths under control which is where good oral hygiene comes into play.

In addition to brushing and flossing, preventing gum disease means using a mouthwash or similar product made from all natural ingredients to help fight bacteria. Products made with alcohol or other chemicals will lead to dry mouth and a loss of the all-important saliva which naturally controls bacteria. Gum disease gingivitis can be stopped so long as the infection does not reach the gum line. After that, periodontal surgery will be necessary to restore proper dental health. That is why it is so important to practice good oral hygiene daily so that you don't end up fighting both gum disease and heart problems later on down the road.

For an all natural product that helps stimulate salivation as well as help kill the harmful anaerobic bacteria inside your mouth, try OraMD®. OraMD® is an all-natural gum disease product made from the essential oils of almond, spearmint, and peppermint. OraMD® offers a long-term solution for gum disease and other periodontal problems by cleaning the mouth and killing the bacteria that cause volatile sulfur compounds, or VSC's.

To learn more about how OraMD® works for gum disease and the heart , follow the link.