In spirit of American Heart Month, Dr. J. Alexander Withers wants to make you more aware of how you can fight gum disease in Fairfax, VA, if you have heart disease. Heart disease is a condition that can drastically shorten your life expectancy. However, with ongoing treatment and some lifestyle adjustments, you can improve your prognosis.
They Create a Ping Pong Effect
It is common knowledge that gum disease can increase your risk of heart disease. However, if you already have heart disease, you may not understand how important it is for you to get your condition under control. Heart disease is irreversible. The plaque and bacteria that cause periodontal disease are already present inside of the arteries leading to your heart. As toxins and bacteria grow in your mouth and veins, the likelihood of your artery pathways shrinking and hardening increases, making it harder for oxygen and blood to flow to and from your heart.
Both Conditions Require Ongoing Treatment
Simply getting treated for heart disease is not enough to improve your complete health. You also need to see a periodontist who specializes in gum disease in Fairfax, VA, for treatment. Although you may feel pressed to focus on one condition before getting the other one treated, it is best if you get both treated at the same time. If it has been some time since your last visit to the dentist and you have begun to experience bleeding gums, halitosis, or lost or missing teeth, do not ignore these symptoms. If you do, you will only subject yourself to further discomfort that could elevate your stress levels, making it harder for you to manage your health.
Do not let heart and gum disease destroy your quality of life. No matter how advanced your conditions are, do what is necessary to manage them. See your medical doctor and dentist as needed and follow through with all treatments so you can improve the outcome of both illnesses. Contact Periodontics & Implant Dentistry at 703-997-5739 for an appointment with Dr. Withers.
