Your dazzling, brilliant smile is the first thing people notice about you. As cosmetic dentists, it’s our job to provide you with a beautiful smile that lasts. Here at Top Down Dental, we care about your smile for its aesthetics as well as its function.
However, another reason to improve your smile is to prevent periodontal gum disease. When bacteria builds up on your gums, it can also spread to your bloodstream. This, in turn, can carry harmful bacteria to your heart.
Bad Breath to Heart Blockages
Chronic bad breath is often a sign of bigger, underlying problems. Generally, bad breath means that your oral health could improve. If you have bad breath, tender gums, or decaying teeth, then visit Dr. Nehawandian at Top Down Dental.
Bacteria and decay cause periodontal gum disease. Among other things, gum disease causes your gums to recede. Then, the gap that your gums create allow bacteria to enter your bloodstream and travel to your heart.
Once bacteria reach the heart, plaque continues to grow within your heart’s arteries. Ultimately, this restricts blood flow throughout the body and accelerates the formation of heart disease.
Bacterial Infections in Your Heart
Unfortunately, plaque buildup isn’t the only way gum disease can cause heart disease. The infection itself can also spread to your heart with a condition known as endocarditis. When your bloodstream carries a bacterial infection, the infection can then spread in your heart.
Keeping your mouth clean prevents the spread of bacteria and infection to your heart. To keep your mouth infection-free, brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist every six months.
Your Dentist is Here to Help
Dr. Nehawandian in San Jose wants to help. When you visit us, we will do a deep cleaning to remove bacteria. If you ever go long periods of time without visiting your dentist, bacteria and plaque will build up, causing gingivitis.
Gingivitis, which causes inflammation and tenderness in the gums, is the first sign of gum disease. If you notice inflamed, tender, or bleeding gums, we encourage you to visit your dentist for a regular cleaning.
Your Dentist in Los Gatos, California
If you’re concerned about gum disease, visit us at Top Down Dental. Not only can we clean your teeth, but we can also give recommendations to keeping your teeth clean and infection-free in the future. Schedule an appointment online with Dr. Nehawandian or call us at (408) 354-5600 to visit our San Jose office.
