You know healthy gums are good for your smile. But they are good for the rest of your body too – and in particular, your heart. 

As this video from the British Heart Foundation illustrates, their is a clear connection between heart disease and gum disease. Bacteria in your mouth cause gum disease. Left untreated, it’s possible for the bacteria to get into your bloodstream and travel elsewhere in your body. In your heart, they can cause inflammation that leads to or worsens coronary disease. The bacteria can also cause endocarditis, an infection of the heart’s inner lining. 

The good news is, it’s not that hard to keep your gums healthy. Floss once a day and brush at least twice a day, for two minutes each time. Even with good home hygiene it’s nearly impossible to remove all of the disease-causing bacteria from your mouth. So you should also see us at least every six months for a professional cleaning and exam. 

When we examine you, we’ll check for signs of gum disease. If we find any, we’ll give you a deep cleaning treatment Dr. Barden has advanced training in periodontics, the area of dentistry that focuses on gum health. He can treat more advanced cases of gum disease with laser therapy. And he can perform a procedure called the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique, an incision-free alternative to a graft for repairing gum recession. 

To schedule your next appointment with us in Cumming GA, call Inspiring Smiles Today at 770-844-6771.