The Link Between Heart Health and Scaling and Root Planning: What Pasadena Residents Should Know

Did you know your gums might have more to do with your heart health than you think? Recent studies reveal a surprising connection between gum disease and heart disease. It’s not just about your smile. Oral health could be a key player in your overall well-being. Gum disease, left untreated, not only affects your mouth. It can impact your heart and other organs.

In this blog, we’ll explore how scaling and root planing, a common dental treatment, can help protect both your gums and heart.

Understanding Gum Disease and Its Impact on Overall Health

Gum disease, which includes gingivitis and periodontitis, begins with gum inflammation. Gingivitis, the early stage, causes swollen and bleeding gums, while periodontitis leads to severe gum damage and tooth loss.

Common symptoms include bad breath, sore gums, and tooth sensitivity. If left untreated, gum disease doesn’t stay confined to the mouth. It can spread inflammation throughout the body, which can negatively affect other systems, including the cardiovascular system.

Research suggests that untreated gum disease may increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

The Connection Between Heart Health and Gum Disease

The connection between gum disease and heart disease lies in the bacteria from infected gums. As plaque builds up beneath the gumline, harmful bacteria can enter the bloodstream. This triggers inflammation throughout the body, including the arteries. Chronic inflammation can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of clot formation, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Several studies show that people with periodontitis are at a higher risk of heart disease. Reducing oral inflammation through treatments like scaling and root planing could potentially lower this risk.

What Is Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing in Pasadena is a non-surgical procedure designed to treat gum disease. During this treatment, a dentist removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline using specialized tools. Scaling cleans the teeth, while root planing smooths the tooth roots to promote healing. This deep cleaning eliminates harmful bacteria and reduces gum inflammation, allowing the gums to reattach to the teeth.

Regular scaling and root planing can effectively prevent the progression of gum disease, preserving oral health and preventing further damage.

How Scaling and Root Planing Can Improve Heart Health

Scaling and root planing isn’t just beneficial for your gums. It can also positively affect your heart health. By eliminating the bacteria that cause gum inflammation, scaling and root planing reduce overall inflammation in the body. Lower levels of inflammation in the gums and bloodstream can lead to better heart health.

This procedure may help break the cycle between gum disease and heart disease. By keeping your gums healthy, you’re also giving your heart a better chance. Routine scaling and root planing in Pasadena can serve as an effective preventive measure to protect both oral and heart health.

The connection between heart health and gum disease is undeniable. Scaling and root planing play a crucial role in improving both gum and heart health by reducing inflammation. Preventive care, such as regular scaling and root planing, can help you maintain a healthy smile and a healthy heart.

Pasadena residents should prioritize their oral health and consider scheduling a consultation with us to learn more about the benefits of scaling and root planing. Don’t wait. Take control of your health today!