What is Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis? (How It Can Affect The Heart)
What is necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis? How can gum diseases affect other organs of the body? This article will shed some light on how good oral health can be a window to knowing the state of overall health. On a related note, the team at MyDentist West Ryde Clinic warns about the deadly relationship between gum disease and heart health. You can read about them in the link.
What is necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis? How can gum diseases affect other organs of the body? This article will shed some light on how good oral health can be a window to knowing the state of overall health. On a related note, the team at MyDentist West Ryde Clinic warns about the deadly relationship between gum disease and heart health. You can read about them in the link.
What is necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis?
This is a type of gum disease that is mostly present in patients suffering from HIV. The pathogenesis of necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis revolves around the ability of the immune system to heal itself. This is why it is much easier for people with HIV to develop it.
The most common effects of this type of gum disease are gum death, bleeding in the gums and halitosis, which is also known as bad breath. The treatment of necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis consists of three phases, starting with the addressing of the pain the patient feels, followed by the treatment of the craters in the gums using surgery. The last step is the maintenance stage to ensure that there is no recurrence of the disease.
The relationship between gum health and the heart
Studies have shown that people who have a bad state of gum health also have three times the chance of having a heart-related issue or complication in the future. Although there is no evidence yet that supports gum disease as being a direct cause of heart disease, there are similar risk factors for both. There are people who have healthy gums but suffer from heart disease, and there are people who have a reversed situation.
How to prevent gum disease
The first and most important line of defense people have against gum disease is practicing proper oral hygiene habits.
Proper brushing
Brushing your teeth properly, using the right type of toothbrush, will ensure that minimal plaque will form around your teeth. Make sure to also brush on the gum line.
Flossing
Flossing gets into the spaces in between teeth to remove any food particles that are lodged in those cramped spaces.
Using an antibacterial mouthwash
An antibacterial mouthwash should be used to rid the mouth of any bacterial growth and make sure that those bacteria cannot cause tooth decay, cavities or gum disease in the long run.
Final thoughts
If you are worried that you have necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis or any other type of oral disease, you should talk to your dentist right away. The earlier the diagnosis, the earlier the treatment may be administered as well. Early detection and treatment of gum and tooth issues is the key to making sure that the mouth stays healthy.
Remember that although there is no proven connection yet between gum health and heart health, the risk factors are similar. This means that there is a greater chance of a person developing heart disease. Keep in mind that making sure your gums and teeth are healthy is an effective way to keep heart disease at bay.