Dentures and Heart Disease
The American Heart Association says that bacteria may affect the heart and contribute to heart disease. People with periodontal disease, a bacterial infection, may be more at risk for heart disease.
To help reduce the risk…
- Partial denture wearers should have their teeth cleaned regularly, as bacteria and calculus accumulate wherever a denture contacts a tooth.
- Partial dentures should be removed at night to prevent the build up of bacteria and calculus. This is similar to the calculus that can clog your arteries and lead to heart attack.
- Medications prescribed for heart disease can increase the incidence of bleeding gums. This can increase the likelihood of gum infection that can be prevented by a dentist. These drugs may alter or decrease your taste perception.
- Overgrowth or enlargement, of gum tissue may occur when taking certain medications for high blood pressure or chest pain. This gum inflamation may cause your dentures to fit improperly.
- Many of the agents used to treat high blood pressure are also frequently associated with decreased salivation and dry mouth.
- Dry mouth leaves the mouth without enough saliva to wash away food and neutralize plaque, leaving you far more susceptible to tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease.
- Dry mouth can also weaken the retention of dentures.
- Heart disease medications can cause edema or fluid retention that will cause a swelling of the body’s tissues. Denture fit can fluctuate noticeably because this swelling will affect your gum tissue.
- It is critical for your general health that your denture doctor be informed of all medications you are taking prior to your treatment.
- All denture wearers should be especially attentive to their diets. Research consistently shows the link between unhealthy eating habits and an increased risk for heart disease and stroke.
- Regular checkups can help to ensure that you will be able to eat a wide variety of wholesome, heart-smart foods.
At MidtownDentistry, we care about your health and ask all our patients to complete a detailed medical history chart. It is important to advise us of any medical conditions and/or medications, including heart disease. In doing so, you will help to ensure that you will receive the best and most complete denture care.
