Every time you come to Grand Dental for a regular visit, our doctors will spend part of that time inspecting your smile for gum disease. We do this for two reasons. First, treating and preventing gum disease is an effective way of reducing your potential for large dental problems later on. Second, when left untreated, the effects of gum disease can spread beyond your smile to the rest of your body.

A number of health problems have been linked to gum disease so far (as we mentioned in our last post) including stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and pre-term birth, but the one we want to focus on in this post is heart disease.

How exactly can gum disease affect the heart?

Although their exact relationship is still a matter of research, it’s believed that harmful bacteria are able to access the heart through pockets that form between the teeth and gums when gum disease isn’t treated. Which is why periodontal therapy is such a vital service.

At Grand Dental, we offer charting and diagnostic services as well as in-office non-surgical periodontal therapy to help gum disease patients reclaim their oral and overall health. Treating and preventing gum disease isn’t guaranteed to prevent heart disease, but it will help you shore up your overall health, which can benefit your body in myriad ways.

Are you ready to schedule your next regular appointment with our El Reno, Oklahoma office? If so, call us today. Dr. Michael Kirk and Associates at Grand Dental El Reno serve patients from all across Canadian County.