Why protecting your smile may also help protect your heart health
For years, dentists have suspected that gum disease might impact more than just your mouth — and now, science confirms it. According to new research, poor oral hygiene and untreated gum disease may contribute to heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues. It’s another important reason to stay on top of your oral health, especially as we age.
At Aaron B. Carner, DMD, LLC, we’re committed not just to treating gum disease, but to helping our patients understand how gum health connects to your overall well-being — including your heart.
What Science Now Confirms: Oral Health and Heart Disease Are Linked
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that people with severe gum disease — also known as periodontitis — had thicker carotid arteries, a clear early warning sign of cardiovascular damage. When oral bacteria enter the bloodstream from infected gums, they trigger an immune response that can cause chronic inflammation throughout the body.
And it’s not just theoretical.
A clinical trial at King’s College London followed adults with gum disease who received either routine cleanings or intensive periodontal therapy. After two years, those who had received deep cleanings beneath the gum line showed reduced artery thickness, improved vascular function, and lower inflammation levels.
This confirms that taking care of your gums may directly reduce your risk of heart problems.
What Is Periodontitis, and Why Should You Care?
Periodontitis is a chronic gum infection that damages the soft tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly 40% of adults over age 30 suffer from some form of gum disease — and many don’t even realize it.
Common signs of gum disease include:
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Swollen, red, or tender gums
- Chronic bad breath
- Gum recession
- Loose or shifting teeth
Left untreated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss — but it doesn’t stop there. As science shows, it can also increase your risk of serious health conditions, especially heart disease.
We provide a wide range of gum disease treatments in Greenwood and Clinton to help stop the disease early.
Learn more about our Gum Disease Treatment options
How Inflammation Travels from Gums to the Heart
Our mouths are not separate from the rest of our bodies — they’re connected through the bloodstream. When gums are infected, harmful bacteria can move into your bloodstream and cause your body to respond with inflammation. Over time, this process can:
- Harden arteries (atherosclerosis)
- Raise blood pressure
- Disrupt blood flow
- Increase the risk of stroke and heart attack
This is why treating gum disease isn’t just about saving teeth — it’s about supporting your long-term health.
3 Steps to Protect Your Gums — and Your Heart
Maintaining gum health doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, a few daily habits, combined with regular dental visits, can significantly reduce your risk of both oral and systemic health problems.
1. Brush and Floss Daily
Brush twice a day for two minutes, and floss at least once daily. Be gentle on your gums but thorough enough to remove plaque.
2. Use Mouth Rinses or Interdental Brushes
These tools reach areas your toothbrush can’t and help eliminate leftover bacteria hiding between teeth.
3. Visit Your Periodontist Regularly
Routine exams allow us to catch early warning signs before they escalate into full-blown infections or irreversible tissue damage.
View all our Periodontal Services
Specialized Gum Disease Care in Greenwood and Clinton, SC
At Aaron B. Carner, DMD, LLC, we specialize in treating all stages of gum disease with the latest evidence-based techniques. Whether you need deep cleaning, gum grafting, or surgical treatment, we’re here to help.
We offer:
- Scaling and Root Planing for deep bacterial removal
- Gum Grafting to restore receding gums
- Tissue Grafting and Bone Regeneration for advanced cases
- Dental Implants to replace missing teeth due to gum disease
We serve patients in Greenwood, Clinton, Coronaca, Cross Hill, and Mountville, with a focus on education, prevention, and compassionate care.
Meet Dr. Aaron Carner: Periodontal Expert with a Heart for Health
Dr. Aaron B. Carner is a trusted periodontist in South Carolina, known for his expertise in gum and bone health. He lives locally with his wife and five sons and has a strong commitment to helping patients understand the whole-body impact of gum disease.
Financing Your Gum Health: Flexible Options Available
We understand that many of our patients are retired or on fixed incomes. That’s why we offer financing options to make your periodontal care more accessible, including:
- CareCredit
- Cherry
We’ll work with you to create a treatment plan — and payment plan — that fits your budget.
Take Action Today — Protect More Than Just Your Smile
If your gums are bleeding, tender, or receding, don’t wait. These symptoms might be doing more harm than you realize.
Improving your oral hygiene today could be one of the best preventive steps you take for your heart tomorrow.
Visit us at:
- 110 Venture Ct., Greenwood, SC 29649
- 1113 Medical Ridge Rd., Clinton, SC 29325
Call: (864) 223-0543
Contact us here to schedule your appointment.
Two Locations. One Commitment to Your Smile.
Whether you visit us in Greenwood or Clinton, you’ll find the same friendly faces and expert care waiting for you. We’re ready to help you restore your oral health — one step at a time.